Saturday, March 25, 2017

Were you a Nicole or a Mery?

Ted's Run for Literacy is a proud supporter of Can U. The other evening Can U's executive Director, Roger Berrington spoke passionately of the work they accomplish to promote social justice for children who may not have the opportunities others may take for granted.  Can U was one of ten NGOs shortlisted to present a three minute pitch to vie for cash prizes offered through Winnipeg Foundation.  Can U, University of Can, won "The People's Choice"along with a $5000 cash prize. The little race that could loves this little group that can!

The following is the three minute pitch delivered by Roger Berrington.

It's a good day to be alive.

Mike

CanU students, Roger Berrington (centre) 
My name is Roger Berrington. Mery and Nicole inspired me to be the founder and volunteer Executive Director of CanU. Were you a Nicole or a Mery?

Nicole was a kind and hard-working, raven-haired young woman with dreams of studying medicine and helping others. University was the norm for Nicole’s family and she excelled at her prestigious high school. In Winnipeg, 92% of the Nicoles, who have ample opportunities and resources, graduate from high school. Nicole is now realizing her potential and fulfilling her dream of becoming a doctor.

Mery was a kind and hard-working, raven-haired young girl with dreams of helping her family start a brand new life in Canada. Mery had great potential but limited resources and opportunities. The oldest of 6 children, she had lots of responsibility at home, and had to work hard to learn English and catch up in school. In our city, 47% of the Merys graduate from high school.

CanU, the University of Can, specializes in recognizing potential like this, turning obstacles into opportunities and connecting the Merys and Nicoles in mutually beneficial and transformative ways. Beginning in grade 5, CanU kids travel weekly to Nicole’s universities where they can see their own potential and share in a whole new world of possibilities.

With $10,000, CanU will build on its track record of combining social innovation with leadership development. We will launch a brand new program; a social innovation version of Dragon’s Den. With the help of mentors, CanU kids will turn our city’s obstacles into opportunities for social change and pitch their ideas to potential partners.

CanU began as a pilot program for 15 kids and now, six years later, inspires 1100 youth and university students through 70 university-student-led programs.

· Now, university labs are crowded with dreams as Medical students, like Nicole, and CanU kids discover together remedies for chronic social barriers.

· Now, the smell of confidence fills the million-dollar research kitchen as Nutrition students and CanU kids cook together and share meals and recipes for health and friendship.

· Now, the beautiful sound of justice fills the campus courtroom as Law students and CanU kids together experience fairness and equity.

· Now, Mery, who has just graduated from high school, has a dream of studying Law one day.

My name is Roger Berrington. Mery and Nicole inspired me to be the founder and volunteer Executive Director of CanU.

CanU imagine if Mery and Nicole were here today to see what they inspired?

(At this point Roger pointed to Mery and Nicole in the audience and they stood and received a thunderous applause.)

Roger Berrington, Executive Director, CanU.

Saturday, March 11, 2017

Great Grain Relay Race Report

Team Malicious... Dez, Mike, David, Mimi, Sara, Shelby
Oh my, what a glorious day to be alive!

Dez was our ringer, Mimi gave it her all, David kept the spirit light, Sara added sparkle, and Shelby kept us honest. Me? I danced like no one was watching.

We were in it to win it, but sadly we missed third place by a sliver to a team called Your Pace or Mine. We ran 147.75 laps while YPOM bested us by a few lousy meters.

Team Malicious had a scrum meeting in the final minutes... how to beat YPOM?...Desperado David pulled a bag of marbles from his kit suggesting we trip them up..."YES" we yelled...but honest Shelby kept us honest and spoke of ethics and fair play and other boring stuff. We finally agreed the only option was to run like hell, to dance hard and furious, to give it our all all... 

...and we did, we ran like hell, it hurt us, it elevated us, it sucked, it elated, it deflated, it left us heaping on the track gasping for oxygen.  We gave it our best.

We danced a good dance, but we came up shy.

We lost to a team called Your Pace or Mine.   Our friend Joanne Schiewe was a founding member of YPOM and I wanted to kick her butt. To honour her by dancing hard and giving it all. Joanne was on my mind in those final laps. She cheered track side... go Mike go, dance Mike dance... and then she laughed.

She left me in a pukey, sweaty mess on the track.  Like many of you, dear Jo lives in my heart, my legs, my blood, my bones. She whispers. She encourages. She chats incessantly. She laughs as I heave in the corner.

See Mike Run like hell.
Photo credit Junel Malapad.
The 35th annual Great Grain Relay was a uge success, a grandocious affair, no one was fired, all were welcome.  Fun was in the air and the tunes were loud and poppy.  A couple of youngsters handed out 'speeding tickets' entitling runners to an instant prize. Sandwiches, chips, fruit, vegetables, and beer were plentiful. The vibe was positive and uplifting throughout the event and the groove was contagious.


The proceeds to this year's Great Grain Relay are directed towards Kidsports, So All Children Can Play, an organization whose prime purpose is to remove financial barriers that prevent kids from playing organized sports. Kidsport believe no kid should be left on the sideline and all should experience the positive effect of organized sport.

I love my community.  I believe Winnipeg is the finest city in Canada. The Great Grain Relay is just one more validation, one more reason to love our peg City.

It's a good day to be alive, all sweaty and out of breath.

Mike

Mimi wins FIRST Prize! David is there to record the event. 

Junal and Mike.. a selfless selfie.