Community News
Alzheimer’s & The Holiday Season

The holiday season can be tough for many including people with dementia, their families, and caregivers, but you are not alone. The Alzheimer Society of Manitoba can help you navigate through these difficult times. They can lend a listening ear and provide you with information, education, and support. Many of their programs are also available online including education sessions, support groups and the Minds in Motion® program, so you can join safely from the comfort of your own home. Contact the Alzheimer Society this holiday season to speak with someone who can help guide you through your next steps by visiting
alzheimer.mb.ca.

Local Holiday Shopping

If you’re looking for the perfect gift for someone special this holiday season, why not shop local? The Green Spot Home & Garden has undergone some very exciting changes, with added retail space and an attractive facelift. You’ll find home décor items and a wide selection of gifts for your whole family, along with a gourmet food section featuring Manitoba Made products. There’s also a great fashion department, and the greenhouse is full of tropical plants and beautiful ceramic pots. Order your holiday flowers from Bloom Box Floral Studio and local treats from Chez Angela Bake Shop – perfect companions in a garden centre!

Tree of Lights

The BRHC Foundation’s Annual Tree of Lights campaign will run through the month of December. You can memorialize or honour someone special this holiday season. For a minimum $15 donation (tax receipt will be issued) the Foundation will:
• Hang a personalized tag in memory or honour of a loved one on the “Tree of Lights” located in the BRHC atrium.
• Turn on the lights on the evergreens that are located in the traffic loop at BRHC.

Increased Family Violence in the Pandemic

Across the country, 1 in 3 women have experienced physical/ sexual intimate or non-partner violence. Fifteen percent of children witness intimate partner violence in the home. In 2020, 160 women were killed. On average, that is one woman or girl killed every 2.5 days.
SRWC Wellness Centre offers counselling and advocacy services for every stage of recovery, and continuing recovery for anyone living with addiction or other mental health issues. During the pandemic, SRWC has seen a significant increase in relationship violence due to social isolation, school and childcare closures, and unpredictable access to services.

Don’t Drink & Drive

An average of 10 impaired driving criminal charges and short-term licence suspensions were laid every hour in Canada in 2019, as shown in a new report from MADD Canada. The report shows:
• 86,964 total charges and short-term suspensions were laid;
• 232 charges and short-term suspensions were laid for every 100,000 Canadians; and an
• Average of 238 charges and short-term suspensions were laid, daily.
Stay safe this season:
• Never operate a car or any other vehicle while impaired;
• Never ride with a driver who is impaired;
• Call 911 to report suspected impaired drivers.

Dealing with Difficult People

In the holiday season, we may have to spend more time with people we would prefer to avoid. They could be anyone from embarrassing co-workers to judgemental family members. Want to reduce your stress this season? When dealing with difficult people at a holiday gathering, try these tips:
• Excuse yourself and walk away.
• Smile and listen while breathing calmly to relax.
• Think positive things about yourself.
• Change the subject of the conversation.
• State your feelings in a non-aggressive way.
• Interact with someone else.
• Be empathetic and think about why the person is acting this way.
• Take the high road and remain tolerant, kind, and respectful.

Looking for Donations

SRWC is a small, local charity that depends on your donations. You can make a difference! Your HELP is vital to saving lives. Be a HERO today. Ways to donate:
Online: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/id/78266
Mail: 2nd floor, 225 Vaughan St. Winnipeg, MB, R3C 1T7
Phone: Candace at 204-956-6650 ext. 104

Help For Families

SRWC’s Family Program offers education, counseling and empowerment for families affected by addiction, such as partners, siblings, or adult-children. The Family Counsellor has also been helping people deal with more high-risk situations. “The quarantine has been particularly hard on parents with adult-children living at home. But, there is hope. We meet regularly to help find ways to connect with the positive people in their lives. We create a community that helps to keep everyone stable and sane. There is encouragement and hope in knowing you are not alone and can take back control of your life.” For more information about SRWC’s family program, visit https://srwc-mb.ca/portfolio/family-program/

Don’t Drink & Drive

An average of 10 impaired driving criminal charges and short-term licence suspensions were laid every hour in Canada in 2019, as shown in a new report from MADD Canada. The report shows:
• 86,964 total charges and short-term suspensions were laid;
• 232 charges and short-term suspensions were laid for every 100,000 Canadians; and an
• Average of 238 charges and short-term suspensions were laid, daily.
Stay safe this season:
• Never operate a car or any other vehicle while impaired;
• Never ride with a driver who is impaired;
• Call 911 to report suspected impaired drivers.

Workplace Wellness This Holiday Season

The holidays bring plenty of joy, but it can also be a stressful season for many. Focus on workplace wellness to help employees maintain healthy habits and mental health. Choose healthy options for holiday events and give gifts of wellness to employees this year i.e., onsite massages or stress management lunch and learns. Encourage employees to stay active by hosting onsite yoga classes. Support employee’s financial wellness with minimal budgets on events and partnering with local business for discounts and promotions. Be mindful of your decisions and the impacts it may have on your employees. Healthy & Happy New Year!

Don’t Drink & Drive

An average of 10 impaired driving criminal charges and short-term licence suspensions were laid every hour in Canada in 2019, as shown in a new report from MADD Canada. The report shows:
• 86,964 total charges and short-term suspensions were laid;
• 232 charges and short-term suspensions were laid for every 100,000 Canadians; and an
• Average of 238 charges and short-term suspensions were laid, daily.
Stay safe this season:
• Never operate a car or any other vehicle while impaired;
• Never ride with a driver who is impaired;
• Call 911 to report suspected impaired drivers.