Manitoba’s Credit Unions Play Space opens at HSC Winnipeg

Winnipeg, Treaty One Territory, MB (November 26, 2024) – Kids and teens receiving mental health treatment in Manitoba have a new place to play, discover and heal. The Manitoba’s Credit Unions Play Space opened today inside the Child & Adolescent Mental Health Unit at HSC Winnipeg.

The 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. These environments will create opportunities to participate in physical activity and welcome distraction.

“The Manitoba’s Credit Unions Play Space, where kids can participate in meaningful activity indoors, is really valuable for healing and recovery,” says Val Mondor, Director of Health Services – Mental Health.

“It’s important to get that energy out and for us to encourage healthy coping skills, which is positive for physical and mental health overall.  We think it’s just amazing that we’ll be able to provide that indoor space, especially in the wintertime when kids really can’t get outside.”

Manitoba’s Credit Unions generously provided $250,000 to create this indoor play space at the HSC Children’s Hospital’s Child & Adolescent Mental Health Unit. 

“From our charity golf tournament to our own donations, to our system partnerships like the one announced today, we look forward to these continued collaborations that serve all Manitobans,”  says Larry Davey, President & CEO, Access Credit Union.

“Mental health is one of the most pressing issues of our time, and we are proud to contribute to the wellbeing of Manitoba’s youth through this initiative,” says Kevin Sitka, President & CEO, Assiniboine Credit Union. “We believe that every child deserves a safe and supportive space, and this play area will help them navigate some of the toughest moments in their lives.”

“We are thrilled to partner with our fellow Manitoba Credit Unions on this initiative to nurture and support the physical and psychological health and well-being of adolescents who are receiving care in the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Unit,” says Glenn Friesen, Chief Executive Officer, Steinbach Credit Union. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for us to share our commitment to our continued support of the communities where we live and work.”

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. In Manitoba, more than 1,400 kids and teens need an urgent mental health assessment annually. About 600 of these youth are admitted to the Child & Adolescent Mental Health inpatient unit annually for acute mental health issues, like depression, severe anxiety, psychosis, and suicidal thoughts.

The generous donation to create the Manitoba’s Credit Unions Play Space is possible thanks to credit unions across the province.

“The Foundation is so grateful for Manitoba’s Credit Unions’ commitment to the well-being of our community and dedication to improving the lives of young patients at Manitoba’s only 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 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 159 branches in 98 communities across the province, giving Manitobans substantially better access to quality financial services and products than any other financial institution. In 58 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 more than 700,000 members with $42 billion in assets.