We’ve spent part of this year celebrating, reflecting and connecting on our 25th anniversary as an organization. In 2000, the Grey Nuns entrusted Réseau Compassion Network with the care and responsibility for the many health and human service agencies they created since their arrival here in 1844. Today, the Network is made up of 13 health and human service agencies, several foundations and a multitude of different community partnerships.
Thousands of staff, volunteers, patients, clients and their families have come through our doors since that time, and yet we recognize that after 25 years, RCN is quite young relative to the many years of service to community of our founding congregations and of most our Network organizations. Some organizations, like St. Boniface Hospital, have roots in our community that go back over 150 years. In fact, the combined total years of service of our Network agencies is just over 790 years!
It is inspiring to think about the thousands upon thousands of people who came before us and who welcomed people in their time of need, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, over all those years. RCN is honoured to be part of this journey and will continue to grow and learn how we can contribute even more to this mission.
As we evolve, our presence is being felt in the community. This year RCN was bequeathed an unexpected and generous gift of $600,000. It was from a resident in one of our organizations who was concerned about affordable housing and was inspired by the work of RCN in trying to create solutions for people facing additional barriers to housing. The person was inspired by the development of Les suites Marion and with our vision of offering wrap-around services to support New Canadians, people living with physical disabilities or overcoming mental health issues. We were also surprised when another individual asked to meet with us and made a generous donation of $15,000 after being inspired by the traveling exhibit commemorating our 25th anniversary and the demonstration of all the work done within the network. These donations seem to suggest that we are on the right path as an organization and will surely encourage us to keep going.
At a recent 25th celebration event, members of the Grey Nuns greeted each guest warmly, and bestowed upon them a taupe-coloured scarf. The Congregational Lead, Sister Aurore Larkin, also took the opportunity to share their gratitude for all involved since the creation of RCN. In terms of the symbolism of the scarves, the following was shared:
“This is the colour of the Grey Nuns, what all of our clothing was made of, and it was chosen intentionally to hide the stains of hard work. So tonight, we invite each of you to accept this scarf as a symbol of the hard work you do of caring for our communities, and also as a reminder that it’s ok to get your hands a little dirty now and then.”
During that same reception, we were honoured by the City of Winnipeg with the Community Service Award, which also has a longstanding place in our province. First distributed in 1963, these awards highlight the people and organizations who contribute to the betterment of our communities. Mayor Scott Gillingham joined us and spoke about the power of pulling together in times of need. There are many populations in Winnipeg in need of extra supports, and the Mayor recognizes that the special way our agencies show care, concern and compassion is a vital part of building a city where we all belong and can aspire to a better world.
As we move towards our next 25 years, we want to thank each and every person who said yes to our mission, who gave of their time, who contributed financially, who volunteered or worked in our organizations, and to all the members of our community who continue to trust Réseau Compassion Network and its organisations with their care.
Blessings to all!
Daniel Lussier
CEO, Réseau Compassion Network