After going on various site visits around the city of Winnipeg, Shaftesbury High School’s Youth in Philanthropy group met to decide on our grant recommendations. Our small committee was determined to grant to deserving charities, and make a difference in our community.
This year, our committee decided to focus on the health, environment, and arts/culture sectors. We chose these as our focus groups not only because we were interested in them, but also because we believed that they would directly benefit the citizens of Winnipeg.

Shaftesbury’s Youth in Philanthropy Committee, Back Row: Tasha, Chiara, Elisa, Megan, Maggie, Camryn, Dora, Dani; Front Row: Nawal, Marie, Jessica.
A site visit that stood out for us was the Women’s Health Clinic. They provide healthcare to many individuals who come from all walks of life, and we wanted to make sure they continue to provide that support. The programs and services they offer are very beneficial to the citizens Winnipeg, and we are very fortunate to have them.
Another site visit that stood out for us was D’Arcy’s A.R.C. D’Arcy’s A.R.C. is a non-profit animal shelter that houses more than one hundred animals who are waiting to be adopted.
At the door, we were greeted by D’Arnold, their sweet and energetic three-legged house dog. At this site visit, we saw many animals and learned about the veterinary expenses required to run such a shelter. Recently, there had been costly amputations performed on animals, and this information inspired us to help.
Knowing we were able to provide support for crucial programs at the Women’s Health Clinic, and help animals at D’Arcy’s A.R.C. find a forever home is a wonderful feeling.
We also visited the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba and Manitoba Printmakers Association, and we gave grants to both organizations.

A photo from our site visit to the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba
Thanks to Youth in Philanthropy we were able to make a difference; but our work is not done yet.
Our YiP experience opened our eyes to the difficulties people face, and inspired us to continue to help our community.

A print given to us on a site visit to the Manitoba Printmakers Association. Title: Transformation / Artist: Rosalie Favell
Check out more Youth in Philanthropy stories on CNC at Young Winnipeggers Connect 2017.