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The Meals on Wheels program in Dauphin is putting out the call to recruit more volunteer drivers.
Volunteers, using their own vehicle, would be asked to pick-up one hour shifts during a specific week, or a couple of times during a month. This placement depends on reliable individuals to offer time between 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. during weekdays.
PMH Regional Manager of Nutrition Services Lisa Fugleberg says the program is essential to their clients that struggle to prepare their own meals.
“The program relies on volunteer drivers. It’s our own healthcare staff that are making the meals, but it’s the drivers that get the hot nutritious meals to the clients.”
The Dauphin Meals on Wheels program has the capacity to deliver about 25 meals every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Lisa says the program is always recruiting, especially during the winter months where they typically see a drop off in drivers.
"With all that’s going on right now, we just wanted to put the call out that we always need drivers, and we really appreciate anybody that has time to do that volunteer driving.”
If you’re interested in driving to help clients maintain their ability to live healthily at home, call 204-638-2200 to give your information.
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- Contributed by Matt Hamel
You can help a local high school student get a scholarship for her university studies, and also secure funding for the Dauphin Regional Comprehensive Secondary School.
All you have to do is click here and vote for DRCSS’ grade 12 student Oksana Iwanchysko.
Oksana has applied for the G3 Grow Beyond Scholarship, which awards $4,000 to students pursuing post-secondary education in agriculture studies. Another $1,000 is awarded to the student’s high school, in this case, the DRCSS.
Oksana will be attending the University of Manitoba next year to study Agroecology and looks forward to a career as an agronomist.
She says it would mean a lot if she could help her high school secure money to benefit future students.
“I think it would be amazing for the DRCSS to receive this money and use to make advancements in things like vocational programming. It would be amazing if my efforts could be useful in giving back.”
Oksana explains the point system for the scholarship is partially based on voting. She has also submitted a video explaining her vision of the future of agriculture in Canada.
To see the video and to help her secure the scholarship, click here to vote.
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- Contributed by Matt Hamel
Today Public Health Officials announced 2 new cases of COVID-19.
The total number of Cases is now 257, while 154 people are listed as recovered.
There are currently 97 active cases.
The number of COVID-19 related deaths in the province remains at 6.
The number of cases in the Prairie Mountain Health region remains at 13.
Dr. Brent Roussin acknowledges that Manitobans are anxious to begin the re-opening process, but stresses that it will take time.
“We’re going to look at ways to open certain non-essential businesses, while others will remain closed. However, this will not be a return to normal. There will be a new normal for the foreseeable future. We’ll need to continue our social distancing efforts although we will be able to ease some of those restrictions.”
For the most up to date information about COVID-19, visit Manitoba.ca/covid19.
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- Contributed by Tess Kovach
Today the prime minister addressed concerns that many Canadian students were falling through the cracks of the Canada emergency response benefit (CERB).
Post-secondary students will now be eligible for $1,250 a month from May until August, with $1,750 available for students that have a disability, or if they take care of someone.
Trudeau announced the new measure today alongside $9 billion in financial aid for post-secondary students.
Like some other federal program, payments will be made through the Canada Revenue Agency.
Other measures aimed to help students include:
(1) Raising the maximum weekly amount that can be provided through the Canada student loans program in 2020-2021 to $350 from $210.
(2) More than $75 million in additional supports for Indigenous post-secondary students.
(3) Another $291 million for federal granting councils to extend expiring federal graduate research scholarships and post-doctoral fellowships and supplement existing federal research grants.
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- Contributed by Matt Hamel
Manitoba has announced $120 million to support small and medium-sized businesses across the province.
Manitoba businesses that might not qualify for federal support can apply for the new Manitoba Gap Protection Program (MGPP).
Premier Brian Pallister says small businesses will be the key to Manitoba bouncing back from this crisis.
The MGPP program will offer each eligible business the non-interest bearing forgivable MGPP loan of $6,000.
To be eligible for the MGPP funding, a business must:
• have been operational on March 20, 2020, the date the Manitoba government declared a province-wide state of emergency under The Emergency Measures Act because of COVID-19;
• have temporarily ceased or curtailed operations as a result of a COVID-19 public health order and have been harmed by the health order;
• be registered and in good standing with the Manitoba Business and Corporate Registry;
• have not qualified for federal government COVID-19 grant support; and
• have an email address and a bank account.
Pallister acknowledges the concerns of non-essential businesses that hope to reopen as soon as possible, but could not yet offer a timeline.
“Small businesses that haven’t been on the essential services list are itching to get back open. In terms of reopening, that’s what we’re wanting to develop and share with Manitobans. I think we’re nearing a point where we can share this information with Manitobans.”
With today’s announcement addressing “gaps” in support for Manitoba’s small businesses, the premier told CKDM the agriculture industry, and specifically potato farming, is another key area of focus.
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- Contributed by Matt Hamel
A virtual vigil will be held in memory of the 22 people killed in a weekend tragedy in Nova Scotia.
The vigil is planned for Friday evening, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is expected to take part.
Investigators still have not identified the motive that led a 51-year-old man from Halifax on a shooting rampage.
You can tune in to the vigil live on Facebook, on Friday, April 24, at 5 p.m. CDT.
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- Contributed by Matt Hamel
Millions of people across the globe today will be celebrating Earth Day.
It’s the 50th anniversary of the day that encourages us all to reflect on our relationship with the planet.
The global pandemic has had a noticeable impact on the environment, mostly in a good way.
Skies are clearing of pollution as nearly 8 in 10 flights have been cancelled, and wildlife have been returning to much cleaner waters.
You’re invited to share you Earth Day experience using the hashtag #EarthDayAtHome
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- Contributed by Matt Hamel
A group of organizers for the Gilbert Plains High School Rodeo have made the decision to postpone the event until next year.
Not long ago, the Gilbert Plains/Grandview Agricultural Society decided they would no longer host the event, so a group of families stepped up to make sure the event was still put on.
Rodeo organizer Sheila Dudar says the committee has spent the past few months planning sponsorships and getting volunteers.
Sheila says the committee wanted to see the rodeo event continue, as Gilbert Plains has a great facility and the kids love to rodeo. She has three daughters that are into barrel racing, pole bending and goat tying.
The cancellation of the rodeo comes as a big disappointment. President of Manitoba High School Rodeo Association Mark Buchberger explains it was a necessary precaution.
“Gilbert Plains was one of four rodeos we needed to make a decision on whether or not we could go. With the government regulations with regards to the pandemic, we just couldn’t go forward with it.”
This year's event was originally scheduled for May 30th and 31st.
Organizers are now looking ahead to next year, for the Gilbert Plains High School Rodeo 2021.
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- Contributed by Matt Hamel
Portage RCMP arrested a woman from Dauphin, a man from Sandy Bay, and seized meth and a firearm this past weekend on Saturday.
The RCMP responded to a 911 call around 12:30 pm Saturday at a residence on 17th St. NW in Portage.
When officers arrived, they located two suspects who had outstanding warrants of arrest.
The two suspects were arrested and police seized a small amount of methamphetamine, a prohibited firearm, ammunition, mace, a machete, and numerous forms of personal ID that didn't belong to those in the residence.
RCMP also located a stolen truck from Winnipeg outside the residence.
30-year-old Francis Beaulieu from Sandy Bay First Nation has been charged with over 10 weapon, drug, and fraud offences. He was remanded into custody and appeared in court yesterday.
A 25-year-old woman from Dauphin has drug charges pending and will appear in Winnipeg court June 16th, 2020.
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- Contributed by Isaac Wihak
Times like these really emphasize how important it is to have quality healthcare.
One local organization has relied on their volunteers for over 30 years to help make sure Parkland area residents have continued access to excellent care.
The Dauphin Hospital Foundation (DHF) is now using National Volunteer Week (April 19th - 25th) as an opportunity to sincerely thank their volunteer Board members.
Chairman of the board Doug Deans explains the volunteers work hard to support and promote projects that benefit the Dauphin Regional Health Centre and Dauphin Personal Care Home.
"Looking back on over three plus decades, we take this opportunity to recognize all past and present volunteer Board members as well as our health centre support staff for their contributions to our legacy," stated Chairman Doug Deans.
The DHF gathers donations and then uses that money to supplement programs or buy things for the hospital that the government doesn’t provide.
Deans is especially proud of one program in particular; a fund that helps nurses expand their education if there’s a program of study they are interested in.
The DHF also recently helped fund the initial phase of redeveloping the Palliative Care unit.
“We do our best to let people know we are here. We are here trying to collect money to be used within the Parkland, within the Dauphin Hospital. The money stays here in Dauphin. Any money someone does give us is used locally to support local initiatives and projects within the hospital.”
Deans says the Foundation thanks all donors and supporters for their contributions to health care.
If you want to donate to the DHF, you can contact the front desk of the Dauphin Regional Health Centre and you will be directed to the person at the regional health authority that handles the foundation.
For more information visit the Dauphin Hospital Foundation website.
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- Contributed by Matt Hamel
Mayor Allen Dowhan is expressing his frustration with the provincial government’s decision to move forward with the jail closure during the pandemic.
The mayor requested to meet with Justice Minister Cliff Cullen to discuss ending the closure, and the City of Dauphin even offered $1 million to help cover the costs of revamping the jail.
Mayor Dowhan says he still hasn't heard back from the Justice Minister's office.
The only response he’s received is a letter from the Minister, which appears to indicate there will be no budging on the official May 29th closure date.
He says the decision is disappointing for the employees, who now have to uproot families.
The Mayor is still encouraging local groups to continue their lobbying efforts.
“I have a lot of appreciation for the groups and individuals that are writing [the province]. Keep on lobbying the government. We want to make the message clear: this is the wrong decision at the wrong time.”
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- Contributed by Matt Hamel
