Tag: Recreation

News


Two Minds in a Magical World

March 7, 2023

Adventures, Together.

A friendship between two people with disabilities is made possible thanks to technology.

Each Monday, Ricky, a person supported by St.Amant is transported to a magical world of gnomes, beautiful palaces, ancient kings, and villages. As Kellea reads to him, her soothing voice fills the space with a sense of peace and calm.

As they embark on a new adventure together each week, they share moments of laughter – their connection grows stronger and stronger.

Kellea is a volunteer, through St.Amant’s PALS program.

Six years ago, a car accident changed her life.

The busy life she once had came to halt. With a spinal cord injury, she now has a disability of her own. She says “Any one of us could have a disability at some point in our life…anything can happen. I had a plan, I loved my life and my career and everything in between – and then in a split second my life wasn’t the same.” she says.

Because of her accident, Kellea was no longer able to access and do the things she used to do. This experience changed her outlook on life – and she was striving to connect with someone in an accessible way during the pandemic.

This is when she and Ricky met, and thanks to technology, the beginning of a new friendship.

Kellea reads books virtually to Ricky every Monday afternoon. She says “I know we both share disabilities in different ways, but I don’t see them. We go into this fantasy world together, it transports us. We’re where we are physically, but our minds are in a whole other world.”

collage Ricky and Kellea, as they read together on Monday afternoon virtually.
Ricky and Kellea, as they read together on Monday afternoon virtually.

Shelley De Rose, Activity Worker at St.Amant sees their connection grow stronger with each week that passes. She says, “what they have is special. When I tell Ricky we’re about to set up the iPad, to connect with Kellea – he smirks. He lights up! It’s truly the highlight of his day.”

Kellea makes a difference in Ricky’s life, and he makes a difference in hers. “We started with Robert Munch classics – his favourite is The Paper Bag Princess, he loves the mischievousness of the stories. He laughs so much! Ricky has brought so much joy into my life” says Kellea.

Ricky’s new friend brings him joy and comfort. His support staff says “We can hear Ricky laugh every time she reads to him – everyone here hears it! It’s amazing to see!” says Shelley.

What comes next for Ricky and Kellea? A first in-person visit!

When Kellea is further along her healing journey, she’ll come in person to read Ricky one of his favourite books, she says” I’ll bring him his favourite Robert Munch books, as a gift! One day, we’ll meet in person. I can’t wait!”

Thanks to today’s technology Ricky and Kellea can go on magical adventures together, that are accessible to both of them. Just like a magical adventure, their friendship brings them to new places. A connection – that brings them both so much joy.

To read more stories like this, click here!

News


Help Keith Do What He Loves Again

Keith a person supported by St.Amant's Supported Independent Living Program sitting in a chair. He is wearing a yellow shirt. There is a blue overlay on top of the photo.

December 7, 2022

Inflation. Many of us have noticed its effects, but for those living on a fixed income, today’s rising costs can lead to difficult choices that impact their quality of life.

Costs are increasing…but Keith’s income isn’t… He needs your help!

Keith is an intellectual and keeps a pretty busy schedule. He goes to church every Sunday, plays chess at the library on Saturday afternoons and loves to exercise.

He says that his favourite pastime is visiting museums but the admissions fees can be pricey.

With the cost of living increasing and his income remaining the same – doing the things he loves most no longer fits the budget, and saving for large purchases becomes impossible.

Going to museums brings so much joy and light to Keith’s life, but it just doesn’t fit into his budget anymore. He keeps a close eye on websites and social media, and tracks when places have discounted or free admission days, but those opportunities are rare and don’t always fit into his schedule.

Recently, Keith has had to change the way he shops to stay within his budget. He is now limited to what he can buy at the grocery store and had to switch from fresh fruits and vegetables to frozen produce. “Except for bananas,” he says.

He had been trying to put a little money aside to save for a replacement for his favourite chair that broke earlier this year, but there is no room in the budget now for savings.  

When it’s a struggle to pay for the necessities, the activities that bring colour and light to people’s lives are often sacrificed. Your generosity will help ensure that all the “extras” that make life worth living don’t get cut from the budget.

YOU CAN help Keith by giving a gift today.

          YOU CAN fill his fridge with fresh fruit and vegetables.

          YOU CAN make room in his budget for a visit to the museum.

          YOU CAN provide him with a new chair so he can rest and relax.

Donate

News


Unexpected Generosity from Top Canadian Athlete

June 17, 2022

In 2018, Leanne Taylor was in a bike accident that left her paralyzed from the waist down. Throughout her recovery, she dreamed of completing a Para-triathlon. In four short years, she has transformed the Manitoban Triathlon landscape and is currently ranked top 10 in the world as a para-athlete. She knows first-hand how important, and difficult it can be, to make physical activity accessible.

 “I had the pleasure of meeting the founders of the St.Amant triathlon at the Pan Am Pool. When I heard about their cause I could not be more excited to participate! I am so happy to have an opportunity to give back to a community that has given so much to me,” said Taylor.

Leanne is collecting funds for the Tri For St.Amant, a virtual triathlon fundraiser. Proceeds help purchase customized equipment, like bikes and lightweight wheelchairs, making physical activity more accessible for more than 2000 children and adults with developmental disabilities and autism in Manitoba. Participants are invited to complete the triathlon virtually, between June 19-26.

“We’re so honoured to have Leanne, a brave and dedicated athlete, fundraising for the Tri for St.Amant. Her kind efforts will help increase the quality of life for people with developmental disabilities supported by St.Amant.” says Craig Murray, event organizer and board member. 

While some may choose Birds Hill Provincial Park or their neighbour’s swimming pool to complete portions of the race, Leanne will be swimming, biking and running in Spain amongst other top para-athletes in the World Triathlon para cup. Her ultimate goal is to represent Canada in the Paris 2024 Olympics.

To learn more about Leanne and her incredible journey and accomplishments: https://www.instagram.com/leataylor8

To support Leanne visit: https://www.gifttool.com/athon/MyFundraisingPage?ID=1727&AID=4217&PID=748064

About the Tri for St.Amant

Tri for St.Amant is a virtual triathlon that provides an opportunity for beginners, as well as experienced triathletes, to challenge themselves physically and mentally through swimming, cycling and running while raising money for a great cause.  Funds raised will ensure people supported by St.Amant have the opportunity to explore, move and have fun with new custom mobility equipment like wheelchairs, bikes, bed lifts and more.

News


You Built Confidence & Connections

May 3, 2022

Jackie is a Special Olympics alpine skier, crafter extraordinaire, and has a passion for healthy eating and exercise. She receives services from St.Amant’s Supported Independent Living program and has enjoyed many of the virtual cooking and crafting workshops offered since the pandemic began.

St.Amant Foundation donors made those classes and 100+ other virtual recreation opportunities possible last year! There have been virtual dance parties, trivia nights, paint nights, cooking classes, bingo games, a garden club, and so much more.

Real friendships emerged and self-esteem improved! People started making plans outside of the scheduled events to connect. They also made suggestions for future events and some folks offered to host their own event, including Jackie.

You Built Confidence & Connections

Cupcakes may not be part of her regular training diet, but Jackie hosted a cupcake decorating class that allowed her to showcase her skills and build confidence as a presenter. This confidence will serve her well as she trains with the Special Olympics Team Canada 2022 Training Squad.

Thank you for making this possible!

News


Staying Connected and Safe with Virtual Events

July 6, 2021

For over a year we have been asked to isolate and stay home to stop the spread of COVID-19. In an attempt to stay connected with old friends, build new friendships, and create a sense of belonging, St.Amant Foundation and Volunteer Services collaborated to deliver virtual events to the people we support. These events have been a hit!
Thanks to donations, the federal government’s Emergency Community Support Fund, and a grant from the Harry E. Foster Charitable Foundation, St.Amant Foundation secured just under $20,000 for 68 virtual events scheduled until the end of June 2021. Over 2,100 people have participated in these events.
All events are free of charge. Some, such as Wednesday Zoom Bingo, are exclusively for the people St.Amant supports. However, generous funders have made it possible to open other events, such as Movement and Dance with Madison, to people supported by Abilities Manitoba and to St.Amant staff and their children. “These virtual events have built a sense of community and friendship,” said Tracy Laluk, Manager of Volunteer Services.

The most popular events are bingo, the dance parties and craft nights. St.Amant’s CEO, John Leggat, is known for enjoying the dance parties. “It’s so wonderful to see everyone from staff to the people we support get together, dance, have fun—all while staying safe,” said John. At Bingo, the level of competition is as high as the camaraderie. The event attracts around 100 people every week. “I like to play when I win!” said Darrell, a player at Wednesday Zoom Bingo.
In order to be inclusive and to breakdown financial and technological barriers, St.Amant Foundation and Volunteer Services ensured that everyone St.Amant supports, from those living in community homes to those supported at Health & Transition Services, to those living in their family homes have access to a smart TV with a web camera. “This was a small act with a very big impact,” said Juliette Mucha, Director of St.Amant Foundation. “The people we support may not be able to see their friends in-person, but at least they can see them on a screen.”
Seeing his friends is one of Darrell’s two favourite things about Wednesday Zoom Bingo. “I like to mark X on my sheet. I like seeing people on the other side!” said Darrell.
St.Amant Foundation and Volunteer Services have also distributed iPads, laptops, Kinsmen Jackpot Bingo cards, board games and Netflix subscriptions. For events such as crafts nights, they have distributed comprehensive standardized kits to everyone St.Amant supports. “The joy and excitement on their face when they realize they can keep their kits and don’t have to return them is absolutely heartwarming,” said Juliette.
After the pandemic, St.Amant plans to add a virtual component to its in-person activities. “We have learned how important it is for those who can’t always be there in-person to be connected,” said Tracy. “If, post-pandemic, we have a dance party at 440 River Road, we know that not everybody will be able to make it. So our plan is to set up the technology so that they can be there virtually and enjoy. This pandemic has given us a chance to be more inclusive and we’re going to take it.”

News


Donors funded important research studying quality of life

May 20, 2021

The St.Amant Research Centre improves the quality of life of people with developmental disabilities through research and education. Your donation helps to fund this innovative research!
Historically, people with developmental disabilities lived in congregate care settings. Over the past few decades, as the trends and rights for people with disabilities evolved, community living was identified as a more holistic and inclusive way to support people.
St.Amant has been supporting people to move into homes in the community for decades, but the focus has increased recently. Over 55 people are enjoying a greater quality of life after making the move over the past few years.

Surprisingly, little research existed about the best way to support this transition to community living and there was no data about the quality of life outcomes as a result of the move. The St.Amant Research Centre provides a complete look at these transitions and the effects they’ve had on the people involved.
The research team followed individuals from 2016-2020, both before and after their moves to community homes, to assess how this transition affected their health, access to health care and overall quality of life. The results have been overwhelmingly positive!
Study participants shared positive feedback about the change, including: he is much more independent; she seems like a different, happier person; we have be amazed at the difference it has made for our family; we are so happy with her new home!
This valuable research, funded by your donation, not only affirms that St.Amant is on the right path, but also provides valuable data about the impact of community living and the process of transition. These results have the potential to serve as a model for administrators and policy makers in Manitoba and beyond.
This research would not have happened if it wasn’t for you!

News


Donors Bring Joy To Jenna’s Neighbourhood

May 12, 2021

Jenna adores books. Wherever you see Jenna, whether at home or out and about, she has a book in her hands. Her favourites are Little Critter books or the Berenstain Bears.
 
She uses these books to communicate with family and friends by pointing at certain pictures from the books. Her dad, Doug says, “Jenna’s books are a conversation starter everywhere she goes.”
 
Thanks to your support, Jenna now has a little free library in her yard and can share her love of reading with her neighbours. Combining her love of reading and appreciation for her neighbourhood means Jenna gets to meet more people and share the books she loves.
 
In addition to sharing her own books, Jenna loves to see what others have left behind. Her little library brings joy to her block and the area around it. It is also a conversation starter for passersby, and encourages interaction and connection with neighbours. This helps her feel more connected to her community and brings a smile to her face.
 
Thank you!

News


You Laid The Groundwork for Wonderful Friendships

April 22, 2021

A love of fashion and formal events brought Kiara and Marda together and your support provided them with an evening of beautiful dresses, tiaras and the chance to make some amazing memories. FM Café, also funded by your generosity, and their love of music and lights, helped solidify a connection between Rachele and Marda.

These events, made possible by your donation, became the foundation for friendships that are carrying these women through the isolation of the pandemic.
In late 2019, St.Amant support staff Michelle recognized some shared interests between two women supported in the Community Residential program. Initially, Marda and Kiara were introduced to each other over FaceTime and they quickly found common ground. Marda told Kiara about the Princess Ball she was going to and extended an invitation to her. 

This was the beginning of a friendship that has blossomed over the past year.
Marda and Kiara had a wonderful time at the ball! It not only brought them joy that night, but it was a beautiful start to a new friendship. They sometimes reminisce about the night they were princesses.

In the last year, these women have shared birthday celebrations, visits to the beach, mimosas and much more. As COVID restrictions increased, gatherings shifted online. They have shared Thanksgiving dinner, Galentine’s Day brunch and celebrated Kiara’s birthday over Zoom.
Unfortunately, while FM Café is on hold due to gathering size restrictions and the 2021 fundraising ball has been cancelled, these women are looking forward to getting together again when it is safe to do so. In the meantime, their friendship continues to grow and their connections have provided important virtual touchpoints during the pandemic lockdowns.
Thank you!

News


Virtual recreation made possible thanks to your generous support!

March 9, 2021

Your donation dollars and some generous grant makers are making it possible for more than 2,100 people supported by St.Amant, along with their families and staff, to participate in a wide variety of virtual recreation. Thank you!
Thanks to your donation, people we support have been having all sorts of virtual fun! There’s been weekly bingos, craft workshops, dance parties and so much more!
Your support has also purchased art supplies, board games, Kinsmen Jackpot Bingo cards and Netflix subscriptions. There have been paint nights and cooking classes and there is still lots to come!
Darrell is one of the dozens of people that participate in the Wednesday Zoom Bingo and he looks forward to it every week! When asked what his favourite part is, his response is enthusiastic.
“I like to mark X on my sheet. I like seeing people on the other side and I like to play when I win!”
Your generosity is very much appreciated, now in these unusual times, and always. YOU are helping people stay home and stay safe!

News


Jacqueline’s Story: Peace and tranquility

Jacqueline’s Story: Peace and tranquility

January 7, 2021

Jacqueline will tell you that painting changed her life.

While looking for a hobby, she tried many things, but there is just something about acrylic painting that makes all the difference for Jacqueline. She creates beautiful art, and even more importantly, it supports her mental and physical health in ways that surprised everyone.   

She says “Painting is a way to express myself and helps me deal with the stress and anxiety I have in my life. When I paint, I go into a world of my own.”

Jacqueline was born with Apert Syndrome and is receiving services from St.Amant’s Supported Independent Living program. Apert Syndrome is a genetic disorder characterized by skeletal abnormalities and has meant dozens of surgeries in her life. Recent years have brought additional challenges to Jacqueline. She began having two types of seizures, sometimes many in a single day.

Jacqueline’s Story: Peace and tranquility

The peace and tranquility Jacqueline feels when painting, not only improves her mental health, but her medical practitioners have been amazed at how it has led to a decrease in the number of seizures she has!

“Painting is like a meditation” she says, and it has greatly improved her overall health.

Jacqueline has dreamed of showcasing and selling her art and this recently became a reality. A piece of her art was auctioned during the 2020 St.Amant Party – Camp for 100 and several pieces were showcased in the entrance of the Marion Street Eatery over the holidays. Patrons of The Eatery were able to order gift baskets of local goods and a portion of those proceeds were donated to St.Amant Foundation. These combined efforts and generosity made it possible for Jacqueline to purchase a computer. This will help her stay connected to family, both near and far, and will also give her the opportunity to showcase and sell her art online. She is so grateful!

Jacqueline has dreamed of showcasing and selling her art