Manitoba’s Credit Unions’ generous contribution to help kids

Manitoba’s Credit Unions give $250,000 to build indoor playspace for Adolescent Mental Health Unit at HSC Children’s Hospital

Winnipeg, Treaty One Territory, MB (October 19, 2023) – Manitoba’s Credit Unions have committed to a substantial $250,000 donation to support the development of an indoor playspace at the HSC Children’s Hospital’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health Inpatient Program. This generous contribution for the Manitoba’s Credit Unions Play Space, made through Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba, will play a pivotal role in creating a nurturing environment for young patients receiving inpatient mental health care.

“We’re proud of our partnership with the Children’s Hospital Foundation and the continued impact we can make together with our credit union friends on the lives of all children within the Hospital’s care,” said Larry Davey, CEO of Access Credit Union.

“It is vitally important to recognize and enhance resources for mental health services in our communities, as it can affect anyone of any age,” added Assiniboine Credit Union CEO Kevin Sitka. “We are proud to support this initiative with our fellow credit unions across Manitoba.”

“As a credit union committed to helping the communities where we live and work, we are thrilled to be part of a project that supports the mental health and well-being of Manitoba youth,” said Glenn Friesen, CEO of Steinbach Credit Union. “Our hope is that through this project, children and adolescents receiving care will find this space to be a nurturing environment where they can relax, explore, and play.”

Mental illness is a leading cause of disability in Canada, with 70% of mental health problems and illnesses having their onset during childhood or adolescence. Children’s hospitals across Canada are facing unprecedented demand for mental health services. Unfortunately, the impacts of COVID-19 have created an even greater need for this kind of support for children and teens.

The generous donation from Credit Union Central of Manitoba – made to support the Indoor Play Space and Child Life Programs within HSC Children’s Hospital Child & Adolescent Mental Health Department – is possible thanks to credit unions across the province:

“This collaborative effort underscores the commitment of Manitoba’s credit unions to the well-being of their communities and their dedication to improving the lives of young patients at Manitoba’s Children’s Hospital,” says Stefano Grande, President and CEO of Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba. “This adds to the outdoor mental health playspace we built in 2022, and there will now be a calm and nurturing indoor environment for youth to play and exercise while receiving care in the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Unit.”

The proposed space features a dynamic and open concept design, offering versatility to accommodate yoga and guided fitness programs while also providing a comfortable area for reading or enjoying music. Construction is set to begin in December 2023.

The Children’s Hospital Foundation extends its heartfelt gratitude to Manitoba’s Credit Unions for their commitment to enhancing the mental health support available to children who need it at Children’s Hospital.

About Manitoba’s Credit Unions
Credit unions are independent, full-service financial co-operatives, owned and governed by the members they serve. They have played a crucial role in Manitoba’s growth and prosperity since 1938. Today, Manitoba is home to 16 credit unions, with 166 branches in 101 communities across the province, giving Manitobans substantially better access to quality financial services and products than any other financial institution. In 61 of those communities, the credit union is the only financial institution in place to serve local residents and businesses. Together, Manitoba’s credit unions serve 688,000 members with $41 billion in assets.

#GiveBetterFutures with Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba
You can change a sick child’s life through the current $75 million Better Futures campaign. History-making changes in child health will ensure sick kids get the care they need in places of comfort and healing, in environments that physically and technologically match the excellence provided by healthcare professionals today. They’ll benefit from leading-edge research focused specifically on the unique needs of kids in our communities. Manitoba’s largest-ever fundraising campaign for child health NEEDS YOU to help #GiveBetterFutures to sick and injured kids. Because your present can change their future.
Since 1971, with incredible donor support, the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba has raised more than $165 million to help sick and injured children from Manitoba, Northwestern Ontario, and Nunavut. The Foundation is dedicated to ensuring that every child treated at HSC Children’s Hospital has the best care experience possible and benefits from the leading-edge research at Children’s