 From March 2 to May 20, Misericordia Place residents are walking, pedalling and wheeling their way to dream destinations around the globe, in support of MHC. Throughout the Around the World in 80 Days campaign, we'll be sharing participants' stories.
Hugh McMeel speaks with an unmistakable Irish lilt, so it only makes sense his virtual dream destination would be to return to Ireland. Hugh grew up in Augher, Northern Ireland, but has cycled all over Ireland – both Northern and Southern – and has particularly fond memories of cycling to Dublin to watch football games (that’s soccer in Canadian-speak). “I worked in Belfast for a time,” shares Hugh, “It was 20 miles from Augher. I cycled there every week and came home on weekends. “One weekend a friend bet me I couldn’t cycle to Belfast and back in the same day. Of course I did!” No doubt recreation facilitator Rael will put Hugh through his paces on therapy bikes now that she knows he enjoys cycling. Hugh has only been at Misericordia Place a few weeks, but it already feels like home. “I’ve done a lot of travelling in my life,” he says. “I could just stay here with you kind people and not travel any more.” Hugh actually volunteered at Misericordia Health Centre for many years, companioning residents to Mass! Fortunately, Hugh moved in in time to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Of course there was a party replete with shamrocks and leprechauns! And staff even arranged for Hugh to virtually chat to a family of Dubliners by the Irish sea.
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 From March 2 to May 20, Misericordia Place residents are walking, pedalling and wheeling their way to dream destinations around the globe, in support of MHC. Throughout the Around the World in 80 Days campaign, we'll be sharing participants' stories.
Resident Rita Covernton is right at home painting colourful tulips at Misericordia Place in strong, confident strokes. “I think it’s muscle memory,” says her daughter Janice Beveridge, who shares her Mom is living with dementia. “Mom was primarily an elementary school teacher, however she also taught high school Art and Drama at Morris School. Rita actually taught one of the nurses at Misericordia Place how to paint! Janice makes an educated guess where her Mom would most like to visit in the world. “I think it would be to further explore Germany,” says Janice. “Mom and Dad always said they’d like to go back to Europe. “They visited Wales, where my Dad’s family was from, but only did a river cruise through Germany so she didn't really get to fully research about her family the way she would have liked to. There was not very good record keeping of the family prior to her father coming to Canada. Janice recounts how her maternal grandfather, the youngest of 11 children, was attempting to emigrate to Canada during the First World War - understandably not in agreement with what was happening in Germany - but was turned back and told to enlist. He ended up fighting for the French Foreign Legion in Africa! After the war he did come to Canada, where he met his wife and the rest is history! Janice, a nurse currently working as a COVID-19 immunizer, will be happy when the world safely opens up again with unlimited personal care home visitors and travel. Maybe one day in the future Janice will get to Germany and be able to virtually share the experience with her Mom in real time! You can give the gift of adventure! Support Rita's journey to Munich, Germany - 7,160 km  From March 2 to May 20, Misericordia Place residents are walking, pedalling and wheeling their way to dream destinations around the globe, in support of MHC. Throughout the Around the World in 80 Days campaign, we'll be sharing participants' stories.
To say that Geraldine Anderson likes polar bears is an understatement. The Misericordia Place resident’s room door is adorned with polar bears, she has a polar bear mug, framed pictures of polar bears, a polar bear blanket – you get the idea! Naturally, Geraldine’s dream destination would be to journey throughout the Arctic with special attention to Churchill. “I’d really love to go to the Arctic,” says Geraldine, who also happens to be wearing a polar bear shirt. Geraldine is getting her steps in daily by delivering the Winnipeg Free Press newspapers to the other residents on her floor, an activity that gives her great satisfaction. Recreation facilitator Rael Kulchycki will help Geraldine plot her journey North: from Churchill to Nunavut (Rankin Inlet! Baker Lake! Iqaluit! Pangnirtung!) and finally to Nuuk, Greenland. Rael will also download the new CBC “Arctic Vets” show on the shared iPad for Geraldine’s viewing pleasure! You can give the gift of adventure! Support Geraldine's arctic journey - 7,059km  From March 2 to May 20, Misericordia Place residents are walking, pedalling and wheeling their way to dream destinations around the globe, in support of MHC. Throughout the Around the World in 80 Days campaign, we'll be sharing participants' stories.
At 98, Millie Richards isn’t able to stand or walk because of balance issues caused by knee issues. But that doesn’t mean she can’t bike. Millie cheerfully pedals a physiotherapy bike to strengthen her knee and chats about her dream travel destination. “Sweden!” she says emphatically. “My father was born in Orso, and I know there are lots of relatives I’ve never met living in Sweden.” Orso is a small village in Sweden, 38 km from the capital Stockholm. “It’s supposed to be a beautiful country,” says Mille wistfully. Coincidentally Millie’s daughter, Brenda Millar, is currently researching her family’s genealogy and learning about her Swedish roots. Brenda is pleased Millie is taking her exercising seriously, sharing that Millie has always been very health conscious. “My mother is definitely a real inspiration to her family and friends. “And she’s as sharp as a tack,” says Brenda with a laugh. You can give the gift of adventure! Support Millie's journey to Orso, Sweden - 6,547 km  From March 2 to May 20, Misericordia Place residents are walking, pedalling and wheeling their way to dream destinations around the globe, in support of MHC. Throughout the Around the World in 80 Days campaign, we'll be sharing participants' stories.
Susan Lemoine is dreaming of waves lapping on a beach in Hawaii, so much so that she’s been creating Hawaii artwork. The Misericordia Place resident’s dream destination is Hawaii for a few straight-forward reasons: it’s tropical, there is no snow and there are beaches. Susan recently moved into Misericordia Place and is happy to be familiar with some staff after her visits to Misericordia’s Health Centre’s PRIME program, a day program for seniors with complex care needs. Susan studied Fine Arts at university and can’t wait for spring to head out to Misericordia Place’s extensive gardens to sketch flowers. In the meantime, she’s busy painting and keeping active by wheeling herself around Misericordia Place. You can give the gift of adventure! Support Susan's journey to Honolulu, Hawaii - 6,127 km  From March 2 to May 20, Misericordia Place residents are walking, pedalling and wheeling their way to dream destinations around the globe, in support of MHC. Throughout the Around the World in 80 Days campaign, we'll be sharing participants' stories.
Misericordia Place resident Chris Koladka is churning out kilometres on the rehabilitation biking trainer, barely out of breath. He thinks his 23 years in the Canadian Armed Forces hold him in good physical stead, although a problem with his heart has slowed him down considerably. As a member of the Fort Garry Horse militia regiment, Chris was stationed all across Canada - primarily instructing specialized classes in weapons and communication. “If I could go anywhere in the world, it would definitely be to France,” says Chris, who has never travelled outside of Canada. “France because I’d really like to follow the route my unit took leading up to D-Day in the Second World War.” Coincidentally, Chris is wearing a bright yellow Fort Garry Horse T-shirt while he exercises. “I wasn’t in the Second World War,” he clarifies, laughing. “I’m not that old.” Chris would especially love to see Juno Beach in Normandy and pay tribute to those who have fallen. Canada suffered 1,200 casualties out of 21,400 troops who landed at Juno Beach on D-Day – a casualty ratio of one out of 18. Recreation facilitator Ana Anusic offers to help Chris trace his unit’s journey to France. But for now, she is putting Chris through the paces: upper body free weight training will the rehab bike conditioning. “Ana likes to make me suffer,” says Chris, with a wink and a smile. You can give the gift of adventure! Support Chris's journey to Normandy, France - 6,502 km  From March 2 to May 20, Misericordia Place residents are walking, pedalling and wheeling their way to dream destinations around the globe, in support of MHC. Throughout the Around the World in 80 Days campaign, we'll be sharing participants' stories.
“Winnipeg is the best,” says Helen Brajczuk quite simply, chatting during her arm biking fitness session. The 92-year-old Misericordia Place resident hails from Belarus, but a European holiday is not of interest at all – even a virtual one. Helen just wants to revisit her favourite places in her hometown: from her Bannerman Avenue house to a walk in Kildonan Park to a Grand Beach excursion! You can give the gift of adventure! Support Helen's journey to visit Winnipeg landmarks - 250 km An interview with Dr. Jennifer Rahman Dr. Jennifer Rahman For World Glaucoma Week , March 7-13, 2021, we sat down to chat (virtually, of course!) with Dr. Jennifer Rahman, glaucoma specialist and MHCF board member. Dr. Rahman has been practicing in Winnipeg as a comprehensive eye physician and surgeon, specializing in glaucoma since 2005, and in 2011, founded GEM (Glaucoma and Eye Management) Clinic. Working with the Eye Care Centre of Excellence, located at Misericordia Health Centre, Dr. Rahman primarily performs glaucoma surgeries. Alongside performing surgery, a large part of glaucoma management is providing education as well as treatment. Glaucoma is a group of related eye disorders, resulting in progressive damage to the optic nerve that if left undetected/untreated can lead to blindness. It’s the most common cause of irreversible blindness, affecting 78 million people world-wide, according to worldglaucomaweek.org. “With a diagnosis of glaucoma, most people jump to the conclusion of blindness. While there isn’t a cure, there are ways to manage the condition and prevent further vision loss,” says Dr. Rahman. Creating awareness, providing education and promoting getting tested are the main objectives behind World Glaucoma Week. Glaucoma is usually associated with older adults, but as Dr. Rahman notes and has seen firsthand, anyone from infants to the elderly can be affected. Regular eye exams are critical in detecting and managing glaucoma, because the earlier it’s diagnosed, the less damage will be done and more vision will be saved. “Regardless of age and family history, everyone should get their eyes tested regularly,” says Dr. Rahman. “An optometrist can provide an initial screening of your eye health and refer you to an ophthalmologist if needed.” It’s recommended that those under the age of 40 go for an eye exam every 2-4 years; from age 40-60 every 2-3 years; and after age 60 every 1-2 years. “The eye as an organ is so beautiful. Even a small intervention can make a huge difference in a patient’s sight, and in turn, their life.”   Dr. Michelle Georgi As a busy Winnipeg optometrist, Dr. Michelle Georgi has referred many patients to Misericordia for cataract and eye surgery.
Although some were fearful about having the procedures, the Misericordia Health Centre Foundation board member says “because of my job, I hear feedback from my patients. They come back and say how understanding everyone is.” “The wonderful staff [at the Buhler Eye Care Centre] always give 100 per cent to their patients,” she adds. Georgi, who has worked as an optometrist for nearly 30 years, says a number of years ago, she was the president of her local optometrist organization and decided it was important to foster a relationship with more organizations. Working so closely with the Buhler Eye Care Centre, she felt that she would like to give back to the profession. So her eventual role as a member of the MHCF board happened quite naturally. “I thought we should be supporting Misericordia, so I ended up joining the Foundation’s Gala committee,” says Georgi. She has served on the Gala committee for six years, two as its chair. Because she was so involved with Gala, Georgi was asked to join the MHCF board. 2017 is Georgi’s fourth year on the board and she says she enjoys the variety of ways it helps with MHCF initiatives. “The mandate of the board is to support the work of the Misericordia Sisters. Our focus is on raising funds for programs like music therapy and equipment for the centre.” Georgi says one of her favourite fundraisers is the annual Angel Squad. She takes part each year, dressed as an Angel on the Maryland Bridge and accepting donations from passersby. And she proudly recounts taking part in the Guinness Book of World Records gathering of angels in December 2015 as part of the Angel Squad fundraiser. At Christmas, she enjoys serving food at dinners held for the staff of Misericordia. Georgi really enjoys the chance to give back. “I’m proud of the fact I can be a small part of a great organization that provides such great care to Manitobans. I really do think they do a great job in the Buhler Eye Care Centre in particular. I’m proud to support the things they do there.” Georgi hasn’t missed a Gala until this year, when she and her husband, who are patriotic Canadians, and Manitobans, went to the 100th anniversary of Vimy Ridge in France. She says it was a once in a lifetime experience she won’t soon forget. “There were 30,000 Canadians there. It was really emotional.” When she’s not working, Georgi enjoys playing tennis and running. She is running her first half marathon this spring. She says she enjoys being part of the MHCF board and the good work that it does in support of Misericordia.  Jane Emslie Jane Emslie joined our board just over a year ago, in February 2014.
With extensive experience working within the health care field in group insurance, benefits consulting, and corporate leadership, Jane adds valuable knowledge and drive to our team. Jane is the Vice-President of Group and Individual Business at Manitoba Blue Cross, where she has been since 2009. Prior to this, Jane worked as a consultant and in a corporate environment in the insurance industry. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) Degree and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Manitoba. Jane is a volunteer for many local causes; she is a member of the United Way Winnipeg Campaign Cabinet, where she co-chairs the Tech and Finance Division, a Yes! Winnipeg Investment Council Member, and an honorary council member of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet. She has also served on the local council and National Board of the Canadian Pension and Benefits Institute and the Board of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet. Misericordia is also a local cause that is dear to Jane’s heart. “I am proud to be a part of an organization that believes a higher standard of care can always be achieved. We see this in the Buhler Eye Care Centre, and in the many excellent programs and facilities that Misericordia has in place for our aging population.” Jane is a firsthand witness to the impact of compassionate care, as her father is a resident at Misericordia Place. “Misericordia Health Centre was a great help to my family as we navigated through the complexities and challenges of the healthcare system, looking for the best place to care for my dad. This experience has deepened my commitment to Misericordia – there is so much that we can do to make aging a better experience for Manitoba families and I am proud to be part of that.” While Jane is in the early days as a board member for MHC Foundation, she has hit the ground running, providing fresh and meaningful insight to our fundraising activities and strategic planning initiatives. “I have seen firsthand the impact that we can have as a community on our own healthcare system. I look forward to making a difference and to being a part of the next Phase of the Future of Care at Misericordia.” |
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Misericordia Health Centre Foundation 99 Cornish Avenue Winnipeg, MB, Canada R3C 1A2 Tel: 204-788-8458 Fax: 204-774-0766 mhcfoundation@misericordia.mb.ca Charitable Registration Number: 11904 2174 RR0001 FAQ's |
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