Main Office Fire Update: One Year Later

 

We are so very grateful to the many community members who reached out to provide support and contributions to the Opikihiwawin Fire Fund. We have always found the people in our community inspiring and never more so than over the last year. Thank you.

The devastating fire early last year incinerated the entire Opikihiwawin area. Extensive renovations were undertaken within this area and throughout the building and we are happy to report they are almost complete. We anticipate being fully operational by springtime. In the meantime, we are awaiting shipments of film editing equipment, sewing machines, fabrics and materials, etc.

One of the most important aspects of Opikihiwawin is to reconnect children, youth and adults with their cultural heritage and biological family. The program is immensely popular. Its participants are anxious to get back to 717, especially the Kokums/grandmothers. They’ll be busy in the new kitchen making delicious traditional stews for the people in the program.

Also, the sewing room will soon be humming as individuals we support sew traditional regalia, many of which will be worn with pride at ceremonies and pow wows.
The Film Production room is also popular, being a particular success with the male youth population. A place where they can hone their skills in film and editing while learning about their Indigenous culture and traditions.

This is a small sampling of the many popular programs and services offered through Opikihiwawin. We will continue to post updates soon.



Other Ways to Donate

For every $9 donated to the fund, The Winnipeg Foundation donates $1 – so every dollar you donate helps the fund grow even faster!

Donate Directly

You can also support New Directions’ programs directly by:

  • Writing a cheque
  • eTransfers*
  • Visa and Mastercard payments through New Directions*

*For e-transfer payments: You don’t need a password, just set up New Directions as a payee using the email: Accounting@newdirections.mb.ca

Send us an email with your name, the purpose and amount you are transferring, as well as the answer to the security question.

*For credit card payments: please contact Accounting@newdirections.mb.ca

Receipts will be issued for all donations $20.00 and over.

You can donate directly to the Opikihiwawin Endowment Fund. The Opikihiwawin program offers Indigenous adoptees and children and youth in foster care the opportunity to connect with their culture and biological families.

A Gift of Securities

When donating appreciated securities, including stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, capital gains tax is eliminated. You will also receive a charitable tax receipt for the market value, based on the closing price on the day the shares were transferred to New Directions’ account at our custodial agent. Gifting securities is the most tax-efficient way to give.

 

For more information please contact:

Marina Albo

Manager, Fund Development

Marina.Albo@newdirections.mb.ca

204.786.7051 ext. 2524

NOTE: Donations to our Endowment Funds will be redirected to The Winnipeg Foundation website, and your tax receipt will be issued by them.

Donating Items

If you would like to donate items, please contact our Fund Development Manager:

Marina Albo
Phone: 204-786-7051 ext. 2524
Email: donorinfo@newdirections.mb.ca