06/09/2026
Monique Levesque-Pharoah and Adriana Rajcher hosted the Youth in Philanthropy Committee Members Elijah, Gabriel, Landon and Oliver from Oak Park High School and were so pleased to receive $1,250 to go towards Project Semi Colon and Training. Thank you, Committee for considering Peer Connections Manitoba and thank you for providing the opportunity for youth to participate in their communities.
On May 26th, Kitana Degen, Peer Support Manager, had the wonderful pleasure and honour to attend the Youth in Philanthropy (YIP) gala hosted by the Winnipeg Foundation. Here is Kitana’s reflection of the evening:
“I got to hear speakers from the young individuals that are making a difference in our community to the leaders of the organizations and agencies that the program is helping with their generosity. I was excited to see so many young people involved in this selfless work as well as the number of schools (28 to be exact) that participated. It is heartwarming to know how many folks will be helped with their caring work, not just our peers here at Peer Connections Manitoba (PCM), but in our greater community.
I sat next to 7 fantastic students from Oak Park High School who chose PCM as one of the recipients of their gifts. It was a pleasure to connect with the committee members and to be able to thank each and every one of them for the work that they put in and for choosing us. One of which was a young man who I met when the committee members visited PCM's main office.
To be honest, I did not know that this program existed and I am glad that I know now. As a parent myself, I couldn't help but feel so proud of these young folks who are not only helping change the future of the individuals in their community needing help, for the better, but also their own. I was happy to hear that this program from the Winnipeg Foundation has been enriching our community for the last 27 years. I will definitely encourage my young son to be involved in this kind of philanthropy work. Who knows, he might even be a YIP'er someday?
Thank you, Oak Park School's YIP committee, for this wonderful opportunity. The future is not only bright because of your contributions, but I know that it will be filled with care, compassion, and generosity, knowing you are all leading the way. Keep up the great work and I wish you all the very best in your future adventures!”