December 15, 2015 – Marymound publicly announced its Capital Campaign to raise $5 million for the phase II home of its Mental Health and Complex Needs Centre at the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce Luncheon. Preceding the Premier’s State of the Province Address, Marymound presented its new campaign video to a captive audience of nearly 1,000 people.

CEO Jay Rodgers acknowledged major stakeholders who have helped make the initiative possible, including major gifts from the Winnipeg Foundation of $500,000 and the CHCM for $200,000. Former Marymound youth Paige Mills –featured in the video–bravely stepped to the podium and delivered a brief heartfelt speech about her care at Marymound and finished with an ask for donations.

A unique donor card with an attached diamond-shaped piece of fabric was handed out to guests. They were encouraged to be part of completing a star blanket by handing in their piece of material along with a donation to Marymound’s Capital Campaign. The finished blanket will hang proudly in the new home as a symbol of community caring.

Four tables of Marymound staff, board members and key stakeholders attended the big day. Marymound staff also worked at the luncheon vendor’s tables along with the Marymound youth who designed a philanthropic necklace with Hilary Druxman. She and Hilary proudly helped sell the necklace and take donations to raise further funding for the campaign.

All funds raised will help repurpose the former Sisters of the Good Shepherd house into the phase II step-down transition home. The home-like setting helps teenage girls overcoming their complex needs by preparing them for a better chance at successful placement back to their families or within the community.

We thank the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce for the opportunity to launch our campaign before a huge audience of potential new supporters.

Follow up story in the Metro News here.