BeCause Radio

Reimagining philanthropy in Canada

In the first episode of our Foundation Focus series, we chronicle the history of The Winnipeg Foundation in the 1920s, along with a short feature about The Widow's Mite, and an interesting fact about one of The Foundation's first advisory board members. This story was informed by research done by Dr. Gordon Goldsborough, which appeared in The Foundation’s 90th anniversary publication. For a print version of this story, visit https://www.wpgfdn.org/1920s/reimagining-philanthropy-in...

Rebuilding from Great War, on the cusp of the Great Depression

The first episode of our Way Back Winnipeg series, written by Jim Blanchard, focuses on Winnipeg in the 1920s. For a print version of this story, visit https://www.wpgfdn.org/1920s/rebuilding-from-great-war-on-the-cusp-of-the-great-depression/

Raising support for inner-Winnipeg students

Westland Foundation is an organization that empowers inner-Winnipeg youth through post-secondary education. Because of the pandemic, Westland did not hold its annual Fundraising Breakfast this year. Instead, it is raising support in a different way. Westland recently released a video featuring community and business leader Dayna Spiring that challenges the community to join in helping deserving students. With every share of the video, Westland's Founder and President John Prystansk...

Winnipeg Impact Maker: Visions of Sugarplums Pyjama Project

This week's Winnipeg Impact Maker, the Visions of Sugarplums Pyjama Project, delivers pyjamas to children this holiday season.

Raising awareness and empowering survivors of economic abuse

The Canadian Centre for Women's Empowerment is a national organization providing resources and programs to support survivors of domestic violence and help them recover from economic abuse, along with raising awareness and advocacy for economic justice. With November 26 being Economic Abuse Awareness Day, CCFWE is working to raise awareness of economic abuse through its #HelpUsRise campaign.  BeCause Radio spoke with Meseret Haileyesus, Founder and CEO of the Canadian Centre for Wom...

Winnipeg Impact Maker: Fukumoto Fitness

This week's Winnipeg Impact Maker, Fukumoto Fitness, is the winner of the Outstanding Corporation Award at the 2020 Manitoba Philanthropy Awards. Learn more about how their fundraising initiatives help our community and the world.

Supporting Manitoba communities today and forever

This week (November 9-15, 2020) is the Endow Manitoba Giving Challenge. For every $5 gift made to a Manitoba community foundation's unrestricted fund, The Winnipeg Foundation and the Manitoba government will each add $1, stretching gifts even further. BeCause Radio spoke with Lynda Lambert, Executive Director of the Morden Area Foundation and Community Foundations Coordinator for the South-Central Region of Manitoba with The Winnipeg Foundation's Endow Manitoba initiative, to learn...

Creating employment opportunities for people living with mental illness

Since 1991, SSCOPE, which stands for Self-Starting Creative Opportunities for People in Employment, has been helping to create employment opportunities for people living with mental illness through a variety of social enterprises. The services SSCOPE provides are about more than just employment - SSCOPE's additional resources and supports help participants build self-esteem and a sense of community.  BeCause Radio spoke with Angela McCaughan, SSCOPE's Executive Director, to learn ...

Brainstorming a more sustainable future

The Manitoba Council for International Cooperation is inviting everyone to discuss the UN's Sustainable Development Goals in their Walk the Talk brainstorm series. The series provides participants with an opportunity to engage and share ideas on sustainability and global development. The next one takes place virtually on Tuesday, October 27 at 7pm, and several of the topics this month focus on SDG 5, Gender Equality, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and in the future. BeCau...

Celebrating listener-supported, volunteer-driven community radio

As a non-profit community radio station, CJNU relies on support from its listeners to bring its community programming to the airwaves. Throughout the weekend, CJNU is hosting its annual Pledge Drive, with special programming and a chance for people to win prizes for pledges made during the drive.  BeCause Radio spoke with Adam Glynn, CJNU's Station Manager, to learn more about the station and about this year's Pledge Weekend:

Innovating to improve the health of Lake Winnipeg

Focused on solving major freshwater issues affecting Manitoba, the AquaHacking Challenge Lake Winnipeg sees teams working together to create innovative and cost-effective projects that can tackle important issues such as removing microplastics from our water, ensuring Northern communities have access to clean drinking water, and much more. BeCause Radio spoke with Pauline Gerrard, Deputy Director of IISD Experimental Lakes Area, to learn more.

Supporting and advocating for people with learning disabilities

For more than 50 years, the Learning Disabilities Association of Manitoba has been raising awareness and connecting people with learning disabilities to programs and supports.  In conjunction with October being Learning Disabilities Awareness month, this Saturday, October 17, LDAM is hosting The Right to Learn, The Power to Achieve, a virtual online learning summit with presentations from experts in learning disabilities and ADHD. BeCause Radio spoke with Karen Velthuys, Executive...

Supporting programs and raising funds for people with dyslexia

Friends of Dyslexia is an organization that supports programs and raises awareness for people affected by dyslexia. On Saturday, October 17, it will be hosting a fundraiser in the form of a socially distanced scavenger hunt. BeCause Radio spoke with Amber Hernando, Vice-President of Friends of Dyslexia, to learn more about the Cruisin' the City Halloween Hunt:

Planting and nurturing trees for greener communities

Recently, Foundation staff volunteered by planting white spruce trees at FortWhyte Alive with guidance from Ken Fosty of Tree Canada, a national charitable organization that has planted more than 82 million trees across Canada since 1992. BeCause Radio spoke with Sarah Quann, Operations Manager at Tree Canada, to learn more about how it is working toward a greener Canada by planting and nurturing trees nationwide.

Educating and empowering youth to take action on climate change

Last year, Global Climate Strikes took place around the world - including here in Winnipeg, with more than 12,000 students and activists showing up to advocate for action on climate change. Leading up to the one year anniversary of the Climate Strikes, a group of youth organizations, led by Youth Agencies Alliance, are empowering young people to learn about climate justice and leadership through the Youth Green Action Plan. BeCause Radio's Nolan Bicknell spoke with two of the prog...

FemFest 2020 engages community through theatre

Saturday, September 19 is the opening of FemFest 2020, an annual festival held by Sarasvàti Productions celebrating women theatre artists. The theme of this year’s festival is “Engaging community,” and the lineup has been adapted to include virtual as well as in-person socially-distanced performances and workshops. BeCause Radio spoke with Sarasvàti Productions’ Founding Artistic Director, Hope McIntyre, and incoming Artistic Director, Frances Koncan, to learn more:

Foundation CEO Rick Frost among outstanding Manitobans receiving Order of Manitoba

Rick Frost, CEO of The Winnipeg Foundation, is among the 2020 recipients of the Order of Manitoba in recognition of his contributions to Manitoba’s charitable sector and the community foundation movement. Prior to the investiture ceremony (to be live-streamed at manitobalg.ca) taking place Thursday, Sept. 10 at 4 p.m., we spoke with Rick as he reflected on his more than two decades of leadership at The Winnipeg Foundation:

Exploring and celebrating Winnipeg's public art

This summer, the Winnipeg Arts Council is hosting free guided Public Art Tours. The ArtRides and ArtWalks are a fun and engaging way to get to know our city’s neighbourhoods and public artworks better. BeCause Radio spoke with Alexis Kinloch, Project Manager, Public Art at the Winnipeg Arts Council, to learn more about some of the upcoming tours:

Tenth annual Coffeehouse to End Cancer raises funds supporting Manitobans affected by cancer

Paige Procter and her team of volunteers organize the annual Coffeehouse to End Cancer, a fundraiser which has raised more than $130,000 for CancerCare Manitoba. In November 2019, Paige was recognized for her work by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Manitoba, receiving the 2019 Emerging Leader in Philanthropy Award, and she discussed her motivation to create the event on episode #21 of The Foundation’s BeCause & Effect podcast. Leading up to its tenth instalment, Paige...

Providing stability in times of uncertainty

Today, The Winnipeg Foundation announced the distribution of $8.9 million from its Stabilization Grants program to 279 local charities. BeCause Radio spoke with Megan Tate, The Foundation's Director of Community Grants, to learn more about how these grants will help provide essential support for local charities, as well as the role they play in The Foundation's overall response to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Helping people become better allies in the fight against racism

Together with Immigration Partnership Winnipeg, Elmwood Community Resource Centre is hosting a series of online anti-racism training sessions to help participants become better allies in the fight against racism. The next session takes place June 25, 2020 at 5 p.m. BeCause Radio spoke with Nina Condo, Executive Director of Elmwood Community Resource Centre, to learn more about the topics covered in the sessions:

Winnipeg Impact Maker: The Heads-up Guys Club

Chinemerem Chigbo founded The Heads-up Guys Club at Miles Macdonell Collegiate to promote positive mental health and help male youth feel safe without the need to live up to societal views on what a man should be.

Rising Hope baking program breaks down barriers

Earlier this week, Red River College's Rising Hope baking program held its graduation for its inaugural class. Rising Hope breaks down barriers for students on a journey of recovery, providing skills and training in a supportive environment, leading to a Professional Baking and Patisserie Certificate through Red River College. BeCause Radio spoke with Angela Chotka, Rising Hope Program Manager, to learn more about the program and its collaboration with Main Street Project.

Winnipeg Impact Maker: Student Life Network National Prom Committee

High school graduation is an important milestone for many young people, signifying the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter. While traditional graduation ceremonies have been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a nationwide committee of students are ensuring that graduates across Canada are still able to celebrate virtually, with the added benefit of raising funds in support of Kids Help Phone. In this week's Winnipeg Impact Maker segment, we spoke with Praise Oluwaf...

Winnipeg Impact Maker: Kiwanis Club of Winnipeg

Our most recent Winnipeg Impact Maker, the Kiwanis Club of Winnipeg, has provided extra support for local charities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Winnipeg Impact Maker: International Indigenous Hip-Hop Awards Show

Our most recent Winnipeg Impact Maker, the International Indigenous Hip Hop Awards Show, is organizing a basketball tournament to benefit organizations working to improve mental health.

Lawyers for Literacy shares with kids the joy of reading

This Saturday, March 14, kids will be reading as much as they can as part of the Lawyers for Literacy Read-A-Thon. Over the past decade, the collaboration between West Broadway Youth Outreach and the Law Society of Manitoba has raised more than $100,000 for WBYO, with more than 500 lawyers taking part and volunteering their time.  BeCause Radio spoke with Ken Opaleke, Executive Director of West Broadway Youth Outreach, as well as Kris Dangerfield, CEO of the Law Society of Manitob...

Helping people with addictions through every stage of recovery

Earlier this year, The Winnipeg Foundation announced more than $5 million in grants support for organizations to provide mental health, addictions and community safety programming. One of the organizations to receive a grant was St. Raphael Wellness Centre, which will go toward post-treatment programming support. BeCause Radio spoke with SRWC’s Executive Director, Colleen Allen, to learn more about how SRWC is working to help people with addictions throughout their recovery.

Investing in healthy food for children and youth

The Child Nutrition Council of Manitoba supports school nutrition programs that facilitate access to healthy food and promote food literacy. BeCause Radio recently spoke with Janelle Wotton, Program Dietitian at the Child Nutrition Council of Manitoba, to learn more about the importance of ensuring kids have healthy food to start their school days, and to learn about the Council's Stone Soup fundraiser taking place on Wednesday, March 11.

Winnipeg Impact Makers: Hunter & Gunn

This week's Winnipeg Impact Maker, Hunter and Gunn barber shop, cuts for charity. 

A win-win for charities at the Fast Pitch 2020 Showcase

Last night, 12 charitable organizations took to the stage to present their three minute pitches in front of a live audience at The Winnipeg Foundation's Fast Pitch 2020 Showcase. On today's special edition of BeCause Radio, you'll hear each of the Fast Pitches from the Showcase, as well as interviews with the prize-winning presenters. 

Helping charities make their presentations pitch perfect

The Winnipeg Foundation's Fast Pitch 2020 Showcase takes place on Wednesday, February 26, featuring 12 charitable organizations each delivering their own three-minute "fast pitch" about their organization and how the $10,000 grand prize would support their programming in our community. Last Thursday at Cercle Moliere, the presenters practiced their pitches at the Primary. BeCause Radio had the chance to speak with several of the presenters and coaches about their experience in the ...

Providing a warm place for those in need

Tessa Blaikie Whitecloud, Executive Director of 1JustCity, shares how 1JustCity is helping provide shelter to those in need and how The Winnipeg Foundation's one-time unrestricted grant is making a difference.

Winnipeg Impact Makers: Socius Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Our most recent Winnipeg Impact Maker, Socius Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, fundraises for the Children's Hospital Foundation through Open Mats. BeCause Radio is produced by The Winnipeg Foundation in partnership with 93.7 CJNU-FM. Subscribe to the podcast or listen to more episodes at becauseradio.org.

Making tech to help people with disabilities

The Neil Squire Society uses accessible technology to break down barriers and make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities. One of the ways it's doing that is through its Makers Making Change program, which connects people with disabilities with makers across Canada who can create a variety of open-source projects that can help with their daily needs. We spoke with Winnipeg Regional Coordinator Suzanne Winterflood to learn more. BeCause Radio is produced by The Winnip...

Strengthening the relationship-building process between Newcomers and Indigenous Peoples

In partnership with Immigration Partnership Winnipeg, Aliraza Alidina, Darrien Morton and Jenna Wirch created a report to foster safe spaces for dialogue and relationship-building between Newcomers and Indigenous Peoples. BeCause Radio had the opportunity to speak with Aliraza to learn more about the project. BeCause Radio is produced by The Winnipeg Foundation in partnership with 93.7 CJNU-FM. Subscribe to the podcast or listen to more episodes at becauseradio.org.

Winnipeg Impact Maker: Rising Phoenix Body Art

Our most recent Winnipeg Impact Maker, Rising Phoenix Body Art, supports animals affected by the fires in Australia. BeCause Radio is produced by The Winnipeg Foundation in partnership with 93.7 CJNU-FM. Subscribe to the podcast or listen to more episodes at becauseradio.org.

A narrative twist on Shakespeare

BeCause Radio spoke with Winnipeg-based performer, Justin Stadnyk, who you can see right now in Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre’s production of As You Like It, their production for ShakespeareFest. Find out how Royal MTC put a narrative twist on Shakespeare’s work. BeCause Radio is produced by The Winnipeg Foundation in partnership with 93.7 CJNU-FM. Subscribe to the podcast or listen to more episodes at becauseradio.org.

As You Like It

Helping out by dining out

Mealshare helps restaurants and conscious consumers give back. When you visit a participating restaurant and order an item with the Mealshare logo next to it, you get your meal while also providing a meal to a youth in need. BeCause Radio spoke with Mealshare's Executive Vice-President, Derek Juno, to learn more about how Mealshare works, the impact it's had since its start in 2013, and where you can support Mealshare in Winnipeg. BeCause Radio is produced by The Winnipeg Foundati...

Building a safer and more connected community

Earlier this month, The Winnipeg Foundation announced more than $5 million in grants support for organizations to provide mental health, addictions and community safety programming. BeCause Radio spoke to Spence Neighbourhood Association Co-Executive Director Lin Howes Barr to find out more about how SNA is working to build a safer and more connected community.

Looking back at The Foundation's 2019 with Rick Frost

Rick Frost, CEO of The Winnipeg Foundation, reflects on The Foundation's 2019 results, achievements and initiatives. BeCause Radio is produced by The Winnipeg Foundation in partnership with 93.7 CJNU-FM. Subscribe to the podcast or listen to more episodes at becauseradio.org.

Winnipeg Impact Makers: Realize Radicalization

Our most recent Winnipeg Impact Makers are Realize Radicalization, a group of five University of Winnipeg students who are working to build awareness and educate people about extremism. Realize Radicalization was initially formed to compete in the Facebook and EdVenture Partners Peer to Peer: Facebook Global Digital Challenge, a global competition with universities around the world designed to push back against extremism. Today, Realize Radicalization continues its outreach in our c...

BeCause Radio Recap 2019 - Part 2

Part 2 of our BeCause Radio 2019 Recap revisits stories about the streetcar art installation commemorating the 1919 Winnipeg General Strike, coverage from the groundbreaking of the Bruce Oake Recovery Centre, how we can live long and stay strong, and more. BeCause Radio is produced by The Winnipeg Foundation in partnership with 93.7 CJNU-FM. Subscribe to the podcast or listen to more episodes at becauseradio.org.

BeCause Radio Recap 2019 - Part 1

Part 1 of our BeCause Radio 2019 Recap revisits stories about the Saint-Boniface Belvedere, new Indigenous art installations at The Forks, Senator Murray Sinclair's keynote at The Foundation's Vital Conversation: Lighting the Way Forward, and more. BeCause Radio is produced by The Winnipeg Foundation in partnership with 93.7 CJNU-FM. Subscribe to the podcast or listen to more episodes at becauseradio.org.

Building community and strengthening children and families

Wolseley Family Place provides supports to build community and strengthen children and families  The State of the Inner City Report 2019 focuses on reducing drug and mental health harms in the community.  The Manitobah Mukluks Storyboot School teaches participants about the history and art of Indigenous handcrafts.  And an update on Siloam Mission's Make Room in Your Heart Capital Campaign. BeCause Radio is produced by The Winnipeg Foundation in partnership with 93.7 CJNU-FM. Subscribe ...

Winnipeg Impact Maker: Tara Torchia-Wells (The Unexpected Gift)

This week's Winnipeg Impact Maker, Tara Torchia-Wells, provides support for those battling cancer through The Unexpected Gift. BeCause Radio is produced by The Winnipeg Foundation in partnership with 93.7 CJNU-FM. Subscribe to the podcast or listen to more episodes at becauseradio.org.

Darkspark helps youth create social change through music

Darkspark is an initiative that facilitates collaborations between musicians and youth in communities across Canada to give youth a voice and build bridges across cultural divides. Its Four Directions project led to the release of an EP on December 6, 2019, which includes lead single "Follow", recorded by Grade 7 and 8 students at David Livingstone Community School in Winnipeg. The Winnipeg Foundation's BeCause Radio spoke with Darkspark educator and photographer Sage Nokomis Wrigh...

Siloam Mission opens a commercial laundry social enterprise

On December 11, 2019, Siloam Mission announced the grand opening of its commercial laundry social enterprise. It's part of Siloam Mission's strategy to provide a variety of holistic supports that not only help people who are experiencing poverty and homelessness with their day-to-day needs, but also to help provide opportunities for change.   By operating as a social enterprise, Siloam Mission's commercial laundry is setting out to help people build skills and self-esteem that can...

Living long and staying strong

The Winnipeg Foundation recently held a Vital Conversation on Living Long and Staying Strong, and today's episode will focus on how we can stay healthy and how our communities can be more age-friendly. Find out more about the Manitoba Association of Senior Centres and A&O Support Services for Older Adults. Hear what Vital Conversation attendees do to stay healthy and their thoughts on how we can make communities more age-friendly. And highlights from this week's BeCause & Effect podcast ...