Your generosity at work – St.Amant Foundation 2025/2026 Gratitude Report
May 7, 2026
At the Foundation, we feel so lucky to experience gratitude in real, tangible ways every day. We see the direct impact of your generosity when we walk the halls of St.Amant or are out in the community — moments that can’t be measured on a spreadsheet but are unmistakable in their meaning.
We are deeply grateful to each of you who make these moments possible. Because of you, people are not just supported, they are included, celebrated, and empowered to live full and meaningful lives.
As we look back together again, we simply want to say “Thank you”.
Please click here to take a look at the moments, milestones, and stories that YOU helped make this past year.
News
Put A Bow On It!
December 19, 2025
Each December, St. Vital Centre transforms into a festive holiday hub—but one seasonal tradition stands out for its impact and heart: the St.Amant Foundation Charitable Gift Wrap and Coat Check. Since 2010, St. Vital Centre has generously partnered with St.Amant to offer this beloved service, inviting holiday shoppers to have their gifts wrapped in exchange for donations that support children and adults with developmental disabilities, autism and acquired brain injuries.
The tradition began when St. Vital Centre identified a need for a reliable charitable partner to offer gift wrapping services. The mall’s previous partner, could no longer fulfill the commitment and recommended St.Amant as an organization with a strong volunteer base and deep community roots. As Roxanne, Marketing Manager at St. Vital Centre, shared, “St.Amant has a huge volunteer base, and you’re a pillar of the community. We are always at the ready to assist St.Amant in this.”
From the moment it began, the partnership has flourished—grounded in shared values and a commitment to making the holidays brighter for Manitobans. One of St. Vital Centre’s core pillars is community, and this collaboration embodies that spirit. “Whether it’s through partnerships like gift wrap, or anything we can do to support local organizations, community is always our main goal,” said Roxanne.
This year, the Charitable Gift Wrap and Coat Check will once again welcome guests at its location in front of theformer Hudson’s Bay in a kiosk. Shoppers can enjoy the convenience of checking in your coat for easier shopping or having their gifts beautifully wrapped while checking one more item off their holiday to-do list—making the season a little more joyful, merry, and bright.
For St.Amant, the partnership is nothing short of invaluable. “We are so grateful to St. Vital Centre for opening their doors to us each year,” says Tania Douglas, Executive Director of the St.Amant Foundation. “Their generosity allows us to connect with thousands of shoppers, and every donation raised helps create opportunities and enhance quality of life for the people St.Amant supports. This partnership is truly a gift to our entire community.”
Mall staff also share their appreciation for the warmth and spirit St.Amant volunteers bring each year. “St.Amant is so lovely to work with, and the volunteers are so friendly and welcoming—they really represent the values of St. Vital Centre,” says Roxanne. “We hope this partnership continues for many years to come.”
As the holiday season approaches, shoppers are invited to stop by the St.Amant Charity Gift Wrap and Coat Check, enjoy some stress-free wrapping, and support a cause that makes a meaningful difference in our community. Together, St.Amant and St. Vital Centre continue a proud, time-honoured tradition of giving—and it shines brighter every year.
News
We brought the Santa, donors brought the sparkle!
December 19, 2025
St.Amant Foundation’s annual Santa Ride was held in loving memory of Drew Murray, the son of St.Amant Foundation Board Chair Craig Murray last weekend. Drew lived an exceptionally full and deeply loved life. He brought joy and laughter to everyone around him — his family, friends, classmates, and caregivers — and he and his family benefitted greatly from the care and support they received at St.Amant.
On December 13, Team goBert embraced the Winnipeg winter chill and took to the trails on their fat-tired bikes at Southwood Golf and Country Club, coming together with a shared purpose: to make a meaningful difference for children and families supported by St.Amant.
This year’s Santa Ride raised funds to purchase an eye gaze communication device for Dalen, who has recently started school and needs new technology to help him communicate. An eye gaze device will allow Dalen to connect with his teachers and fellow students, giving him a voice in the classroom and beyond.
Thanks to the generosity of participants and supporters, more than $20,000 was raised — meeting the goal to fully fund the purchase of this vital device.
“We so appreciate team goBert and all they do to raise funds for the Foundation,” said Tania Douglas, St.Amant Foundation’s Executive Director. “I’m always so inspired by how our donors bring creativity and energy to raising money for the Foundation. And in this case, a little Santa sparkle as well!”
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Team goBert, and especially to Craig Murray, Pierre Campeau, and George Vis, for their leadership, dedication, and for making this year’s Santa Ride and brunch such a meaningful success. Their commitment continues to honour Drew’s memory while creating lasting impact for others.
News
The podium is yours: St.Amant’s new accessible lectern empowers every speaker
December 8, 2025
Each week, Sunday mass at the St.Amant chapel brings peace and connection to the St.Amant community. Community members are invited to read or share prayers, an opportunity to connect with their faith, nourish their soul, and support their community.
Although everyone is encouraged to share, many individuals found it challenging to use the chapel’s original wooden lectern; its height made it difficult for individuals who use accessibility aids to present.
St.Amant’s new accessible lectern empowers every participant. It provides a more accessible public speaking experience that encourages every community member to approach the podium with confidence.
Collaboration was key in securing St.Amant’s first accessible lectern. Wilson Cortes and Andrew Terhoch, of St.Amant’s Spiritual Health program, recognized the importance of ensuring every voice can be heard on an accessible stage.
“Every week, a few of the people we support are assigned to various tasks — reading the Liturgy or the Prayer of the Faithful, assisting the clergy at the altar during consecration, or taking part in the offertory. Each of these moments shows their dedication and desire to serve. It’s a beautiful reminder that leadership and participation come in many forms, and that everyone has a gift to share. As I watched these moments, I began to notice that for some, especially those who use wheelchairs, participation could be made easier with the right support. That thought stayed with me.” – Wilson Cortes, Spiritual Care Associate
Andrew began the search for a motorized accessible lectern, but quickly found that that the options were very limited and expensive. Rhea Bhalla, a volunteer with St.Amant, discovered the Enabling Accessibility Fund – Youth Innovation Component – funding program, a federal grant, fulfilled through the Gov’t of Canada. Rhea reached out to Michelle Sankar, the St.Amant Foundation’s Development Manager, and the two quickly began collaborating on the grant, along with having the spiritual health expertise.
“The opportunity came up to apply for funding, and I just instantly thought of St.Amant.” – Rhea, St.Amant Volunteer
St.Amant received $9,634.00 from the Enabling Accessibility Fund. Podium Pros, the company that crafted the lectern, graciously offered St.Amant a discount, allowing the team to add signage, lights and a microphone. Featuring motorized height adjustment, the lectern is wheelchair accessible with ample space for a wheelchair to be aligned to the podium. The reading light and light switch are located low on the lectern’s face, ensuring visual accessibility for those who are seated or using communication cards.
Cindy is pictured here using the accessible lectern. Cindy regularly participates in Sunday mass, and the accessible lectern will make it more comfortable for her to speak. Cindy can now position her wheelchair behind the podium and use the light to read her communication card. The accessible lectern provides Cindy, and many others at St.Amant, with an equal platform to share their thoughts with their community.
“The lectern allows all of the readers in chapel gatherings to be the same leader. To have the same seat behind the lectern.” – Andrew, Spiritual Health Practitioner
The lectern is mobile, and we look forward to using it at other St.Amant events like townhall, conferences, and even celebrations! We are so grateful for this opportunity to ensure that public speaking is accessible and inclusive with a podium that is designed with everyone in mind. Wilson, Andrew, Rhea, and Michelle, thank you for all your hard work!
How research is improving the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities as they age.
What if someone you love who lives with an intellectual disability began losing their memory, their speech, their ability to continue living independently—and no one suspected it might be dementia or truly understood how to help?
Until a made-in-Manitoba study by St.Amant researchers, led by Dr. Shahin Shooshtari, no one knew that adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) can receive a dementia diagnosis as much as12 years earlier than those without intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Just as startling, they also found that younger adults (24 – 54) with IDD are four times more likely to be diagnosed with dementia than those without an IDD – and those over 54 are five times more likely.
For the first time, Dr. Shooshtari and her team had revealed how much more aggressively and earlier dementia targets those living with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Manitoba.
Every earlier diagnosis means more time for life-changing decisions that can mean everything for a loved one and their family, including preparing them to age comfortably in their own home; that’s why we need your help.
“Early detection can allow a loved one to make lifestyle changes and decisions about critical treatments that may delay its progression or deal with underlying risks,” Dr. Shooshtari explains. “And understanding the risk factors and characteristics helps us provide better support and potentially prevent or delay dementia onset. Early detection is key.”
Early detection made all the difference for Claudette, a person who was supported in her home by St.Amant until her passing in 2023.
“Claudette was strong, determined, and clear about the care she expected. She was highly sensitive to change, and not being able to age in her home would have been deeply detrimental to her well-being.” – Keanna, one of Claudette’s supporting team members.
With your support we’re changing the way aging and dementia impact people and families living with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Please support St.Amant’s ongoing research with your gift TODAY.
Sadly, the default response to a dementia diagnosis for many people with intellectual and developmental disabilities is to place them in extended-care facilities. Dr. Shooshtari’s research showed that about one-third of adults with IDD who had dementia were living in long-term care facilities such as Personal Care Homes. This ‘solution’ does nothing to address psychological and emotional distress, loss of familiar surroundings and independence, and creates significant safety and quality-of-care concerns.
The research being done here has made St.Amant a leader in developing strategies and practices for personalized, aging-at-home and community-based living options that put those wishes front and centre; improving the quality of life for individuals and families receiving this difficult-to-hear diagnosis.
For St.Amant’s front-line staff working with Claudette, it meant being able to collaborate with everyone involved in her life to ensure she could continue living where she felt safest and most supported. Working together led to updates like removing mirrors, changing paint colours, and adjusting lighting to make Claudette’s home a safer and more calming environment.
Early detection has allowed us to put meaningful preventive supports in place, giving us time to plan and to help more people age at home with dignity.
“Claudette’s experience opened the door for others to follow in her footsteps,” says Keanna. “We now have processes and planning in place to better support individuals, including preventive measures that help us identify and address potential challenges early. Her legacy lives on in the systems we have built, the stories we share, and the work we continue to do.”
Your support for St.Amant researchers like Dr. Shooshtari and her team is critical to overcoming the complex challenges facing our aging population, and all people living with dementia and intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Please make your donation now to help ensure ALL our loved ones are able to grow older with dignity, belonging, and full participation in their home community.
With Gratitude
Tania Douglas, Executive Director
PS. Make your donation today by mail or online to help us continue this important research and other priorities at St.Amant.
From the Executive Director of St.Amant Foundation, Tania Douglas
Today, on National Philanthropy Day, we celebrate the incredible generosity and compassion from every donor that fuels St.Amant’s mission.
Philanthropy is about more than giving—it’s about believing in inclusion, dignity, and the limitless potential of every person we support. Every donor, volunteer, community partner and staff member helps create opportunities for people with disabilities to live fulfilling lives, participate fully, and feel deeply valued.
To our donors and supporters: your kindness changes lives. Truly. Because of you, St.Amant Foundation will continue to fund innovative programs, accessible spaces, and meaningful connections for thousands of people and families.
For example, Jordan, a member of the St.Amant community, needed a dog as a support animal and companion. Because of your generosity, the St.Amant Foundation was able to provide funding for the dog, training and supplies.
“Ever since I got my husky, Anakin, life’s been good. Happier, laughing and smiling more and a lot less anxious. I even peed myself laughing once because he was arguing with my mom. Seriously, he likes to talk. He has one of the most beautiful smiles and coat of a dog I’ve ever seen and I’m grateful to the St.Amant Foundation, my mom, Paws Crossed Animal Shelter and Adoption Centre, and God for my new forever friend. Thank you.” – Jordan
From the bottom of my heart and all those at St.Amant Foundation, thank you for standing with us, for believing in possibility, and for helping build a more inclusive and compassionate community.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Tania Douglas
Executive Director
St.Amant Foundation
News
Family Grateful to Give Back at Free the Spirit Festival
September 9, 2025
Kalyn Falk was excited to see the 5K run back at the Free the Spirit Festival as it allows a way for her and her son to give back the organization that helped them at different times.
“St.Amant has been there for us in really extreme times in our life. Where we needed somebody and it has been St.Amant each time,” said Kalyn.
Noah was supported by St.Amant’s Autism Programs when he was younger and then three years ago St.Amant hosted Noah in their Stabilization Unit after he had a medical crisis. While being supported there, staff developed a special diet for him and changed the course of his life. Noah was able to leave and find a place to live where he’s happily spent the last few years.
It also led to St.Amant School teacher Dalip Shekhawat seeing how happy Noah was while running in the Buhler Gardens one day. Dalip reached out and asked if Noah would be interested in running the race at the Festival. Together they practiced the route and it reignited Noah’s love of long-distance running.
“Running is Noah’s joy. Noah has different sensory needs. He needs a lot of information in his body. After a couple kilometres his body loosens up, he’s calm he’s singing and laughing.”
It pushed Kalyn to become a runner as well, and they run a couple times a week together.
“Running helps us organizes our thoughts and emotions. We both feel we’ve accomplished something when we’re done, and we’ve shared an experience together.”
St.Amant has been there for the Falks at stressful times in their lives and they’re grateful for the services provided in those important moments.
“St.Amant has incredible services. They fill the gap for so many people. And they have so many different, exciting programs going on. They’re well worth our support,” said Kalyn. “I think the 5K at Free the Spirit, the vibe is fun, everyone is welcome. They’ve got the 2K walk as well. It’s just a really fun day.”
Join Noah, Kalyn, and hundreds of others at the Free the Spirit Festival on Saturday, September 20. Whether you run, walk, or cheer, your support makes a difference.
News
Odette McDougall Raises $200,000 for St.Amant Through “Bidding Wars”
July 14, 2025
Odette McDougall has reached an extraordinary milestone, raising $200,000 for the St.Amant Foundation through her grassroots initiative, “Bidding Wars for St.Amant.”
Launched nearly a decade ago in honour of her son Marky, Odette’s project began as a Facebook page where community members could bid on gently used donated items. All proceeds go directly to St.Amant to support children and adults with developmental disabilities, autism, and acquired brain injuries.
Screenshot
Odette runs the operation out of her garage in Winnipeg Beach, with the help of a few dedicated volunteers. The items are sorted, photographed, posted online, and sold in weekly auctions to a growing community of over 1,300 followers across the Interlake region and beyond.
The funds raised have supported the purchase of specialized equipment like walkers, standers, and adapted bikes, as well as life-enhancing experiences such as a dream trip to Disney World. Her creativity and leadership have also resulted in unique partnerships with local businesses, including fundraising burger specials and raffles.
More than just a fundraiser, Bidding Wars has become a movement. Odette’s livestreams and personal stories have built a loyal, engaged community. Many of her supporters hadn’t heard of St.Amant before joining the page, but now donate regularly, inspired by Odette’s passion and transparency about where the funds go.
Odette’s commitment is deeply personal. Marky received support from St.Amant in his later teen and adult years, and since his passing in 2020, Odette has channelled her love into creating meaningful change for others.
Her tireless efforts, innovative approach, and unwavering compassion have transformed how people support one another, and have made a lasting difference in the lives of those served by St.Amant.
She truly exemplifies what it means to a community connector – Thank you Odette!
News
Autism Acceptance Night hits Grand Slam
July 9, 2025
It was a grand slam kind of day with the first ever Winnipeg Goldeyes Autism Acceptance Night on July 3, 2025. The St.Amant Foundation sends a big thanks to the Goldeyes organization and Manitoba Blue Cross for donating 70+ tickets to St.Amant families and volunteers to take in the action. It was a memorable night for so many, some attending a baseball game in-person for the first time.
Five-year-old Cyrus Banjavich threw out the ceremonial first pitch with his dad Geoff watching by his side. Cyrus developed the life skills he needed to attend kindergarten through our early learning autism classroom. The night also marked his first Goldeyes game. Geoff was the catalyst for the game itself reaching out to the Goldeyes about the possibility of a night that was more inclusive. The two were great ambassadors for the game, participating in promotional interviews with the Winnipeg Sun and CTV Winnipeg.
Sensory kits, a family lounge, and a quieter atmosphere made for a welcoming environment for families with children with autism.
St.Amant Autism Programs and Foundation staff sold Goldie plushies and board games on the concourse to fans. Proceeds from the toy sales and 50/50 tickets will go to support our St.Amant Autism Services across the province. It truly is a team effort, and together, we’re making a meaningful difference in the lives of children with autism.
Devin Ramdoyal was a cherished volunteer at St.Amant, known for his ability to spread sunshine wherever he went. His warm spirit and unwavering support left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of working alongside him.
In 2021, after Devin’s passing, his parents Sandra Ingram and Sanjaye Ramdoyal established the “Spread Some Sunshine Fund” to honour his legacy. This fund is an award celebrating Devin’s commitment to connecting, uplifting, and supporting his friends at St.Amant.
Annually, people connected to St.Amant —whether they are supported, staff, or fellow volunteers— are invited to apply for funding for passion projects or meaningful activities.
Memorial mosaic and art installation by a tree planted in Devin’s memory on the St.Amant grounds
Past award recipients have used the funds for various initiatives, such as acquiring “Joy for All” companion pets for those in need, creating a mailbox and card-making supplies for someone who delights in receiving mail, and recreational passes for the volunteer program.
This year, in the spirit of the Spread Some Sunshine Fund, two dedicated volunteers, Mattea Thiessen and Hiumi Badalmuhandiramlage, wanted to embark on a special project: creating a memorial mosaic and art installation by a tree planted in Devin’s memory on the St.Amant grounds. The two collaborated with Devin’s mom to add personal touches, such as his cat, Oliver.
“Devin’s Reflection and Connection space has been made all the more beautiful with these bright and vibrant tributes to his spirituality, love for St.Amant and of course, his cherished cat, Oliver. We are deeply grateful for the creation of this tribute by such talented and creative young volunteers.” Sandra and Sanjaye.
Volunteers, Mattea Thiessen and Hiumi Badalmuhandiramlage
This installation will not only honour Devin’s legacy but also serve as a vibrant reminder of the joy and connection he fostered within the St.Amant community.
Some personal touches to the installation art including an homage to Devin’s cat, Oliver
A special thank you to the Ingram & Ramdoyal Family for creating the Spread Some Sunshine Fund. And many thanks to the St.Amant Volunteer Services Team for their wonderful efforts in helping with the fund applicants and the granted winners.
Want to make a difference to the people and families we support? Please consider a donation to the St.Amant Foundation by clicking here.
