For some people, a little conversation

can make a big difference.

So, what if we told you that a meaningful connection was just a phone call away?

The Friendly Calls program matches people over the age of 18 with trained Red Cross personnel who connect with them regularly to check in, provide emotional support, encourage healthy coping strategies, and suggest well-being resources and community connections to other existing services.

Everyone deserves to benefit from the power of human connection, no matter where you live.

Friendly Calls is safe, accessible, free and available nationwide.

Call 1-833-979-9779 toll-free from 9 am to 5 pm on weekdays, or visit the Canadian Red Cross to sign up.

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) is a celebration held annually on December 3^rd.

Each year, Manitoba joins people across the world in promoting the rights and well-being of people with disabilities in every aspect of life, including political, social, economic and cultural.

Join the Manitoba Accessibility Office for a free webinar to hear how the Manitoba Accessibility Fund is working to remove barriers, create awareness and support improved accessibility across the province.

In this webinar you will hear directly from past grant recipients, learn how their projects are working to remove barriers and gain insight into how their work is highlighting the voices of individuals with disabilities and creating a more inclusive province.

Awareness Dates | Province of Manitoba | Manitoba Accessibility Office

Also see the United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities

December 6^th

…remembering those who have experienced gender-based violence and those we have lost to it. It is also a time to take action.

Achieving freedom from gender-based violence requires everyone to educate themselves, their families, and communities on gender-based violence, to centre the voices of survivors in our actions and speak up against harmful behaviours.

Gender-based violence is any act of violence based on someone’s gender, gender expression, gender identity or perceived gender. Gender-based violence (GBV) can take many forms, like bullying, gaslighting, possessiveness, or hurtful online messages. It can happen anywhere—at school, in relationships, within families, on social media, or in public places. Learn how to spot the red flags and take action to stand up against GBV!

More than ever, a record amount of Manitobans are facing challenges putting food on the table. Harvest Manitoba is always looking for food donations from the community. Their top needed items include:

• canned items such as vegetables, fruit, soup, stew, tuna
• pasta and pasta sauce
• rice
• peanut butter
• instant oatmeal
• baby food and formula

Look for their yellow donation bins at events, your workplace, community spaces and more! If you can’t find one, check out 211 Manitoba.

The front door to community-based government, health and social services designed to meet the needs of diverse populations, across all different aspects of life.

It is a free, confidential service available 24 hours a day, seven days a week in more than 150 languages, including 4 Indigenous languages.

The coordinated national network provides free, confidential support 24-7, ensuring individuals can easily access the help they need when they need it. 

Check out 211 Manitoba to learn more!

Get Your Benefits (CFCS), a plain language booklet designed for Manitobans, lists many federal, provincial and regional benefits and programs individuals may be eligible for including prenatal benefits, disability benefits, Canada Child Benefit, Old Age Security and more.

Such benefits and supports can provide more income and contribute to an individual or a family’s better health and well-being

Check out the booklets!

The Canada Learning Bond (CLB) is a grant of up to $2,000 from the Government of Canada for eligible families / youth, to help fund education after high school.

The CLB is deposited directly into a child’s Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP).

Visit the Government of Canada to learn more!

Did you know that transforming your communities’ built environment during the winter months can encourage many opportunities for physical activity and play?

Follow along with Southern Health’s social media for great ideas on how to make use of the temporary snow and weather to enjoy the outdoors more this winter season. Take advantage this season to transform ordinary spaces in your community. Submit pictures of your community spaces for the chance to be featured on our page!

Piling snow in a safe central spot is a great way to turn an empty space into a useable winter activity for everyone. Bonus tip: get creative, add turns, moguls or other features to create extra fun!

Ensuring sidewalks are clear of snow is a great way to encourage safe winter walking. New trails, paths and mazes can also be created through the snow!

If your community has a lake, pond or other water feature that freezes over, take advantage of it in the winter and create a community skating trail or rink. Ensure the ice is a safe thickness, consult the Manitoba Lifesaving Society for more information about safe ice thickness.

Milk jug curling is a great low-cost game that everyone can play! Add some water and food colouring to an empty recycled milk jug to create makeshift curling rocks or bocce balls. Create a target on the ice with circles, a stick or a different coloured milk jug

Snow art can easily be created by taking an empty water bottle and poking a pinhole in the lid. Add water and food colouring to create a rainbow of colours to use for your masterpiece!

This classic winter activity is a great way to be creative in the winter season. Consider using public spaces to encourage others to join in the fun and add to the collection.

Children First Canada

November 20^th

is National Child Day – this year’s theme, #OurRightsOurFuture, highlights that every child in Canada deserves to grow up safe, supported and empowered to reach their full potential.

Children and youth are not just tomorrow’s leaders, they are today’s innovators, changemakers, and voices of courage. When young people are empowered, they create a brighter, more inclusive Canada for us all.

This National Child Day, we are recognizing the unique rights of First Nations, Métis and Inuit children – honouring the past, acknowledging the present, and igniting hope for the future. Visit National Child Day for more information.