Canadian innovation helping women overcome period poverty across globe

One Canadian company is making waves and helping half the population across the globe lead successful and healthy lives throughout each month. 

"There are challenges and repercussions of not being able to, in a healthy and dignified way, manage your period," says Leisa Hirtz, the CEO and founder of Women's Global Health Innovations (WGHI). "There are millions who use old socks, mattress stuffing, or some tribes that sit in sand for five days. It is preventing them from living a dignified life."

Christians invited to pray for Canada each day in June

A ministry leader from Winnipeg is encouraging other Christians to join in 30 days of prayer this June. 

"In June 2021, I started sharing the gospel and giving out Bibles in Winnipeg," says Lin Arceo, the Volunteer Coordinator of Engage Today. "The year after, in the same month, in June, my two friends and I went to Niagara Falls, Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, and Quebec City, just to share the gospel and hand out Bibles. God did amazing [things]." 

For the third year in a row, Arceo is inviting Manitoban Christians to join her in praying for the country. 

‘Put your mask on first’: How a Winnipeg group is caring for caregivers in mental health

As May comes to a close, one Winnipeg non-profit is hoping to continue the conversation about Mental Health Awareness. 

"Peer Connections MB is a peer support organization providing support to any Manitoban with a mental health concern or a substance use issue," says Julia Hoeppner, the Executive Director of Peer Connections MB. "We offer several options for service, the first being peer support. Which is people connecting over shared experiences."

From pop charts to pulpits: Daniel Richter embraces Christian music with 'Light That Shines'

While Canadian singer/artist Daniel Richter isn't new to the music industry, he's branching out into the Christian side of things with his new single. 

Richter, from Ontario, was in the band Eleven Past One right out of college. 

"We were a pop band, top 40, mainstream," says Richter. "We were grinding for a long time, starting back in 2006. In 2009, we started taking things seriously as I had just graduated University, and my brother and his buddies just graduated high school. We took off, living in trailer parks all over the states, going for it."

Operation Christmas Child (OCC): Delivering hope and joy throughout the year

Samaritan's Purse, through Operation Christmas Child, is sharing hope and changing lives throughout the year, not just at Christmas. 

"In November, of course, is when we collect the shoeboxes," says Lynette Loewen, the Regional Manager at Operation Christmas Child for Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Northwest Ontario. "It takes us some time to process them all. Then we have to ship them to all of our countries. Sometimes we're dealing with 10 or more countries."

Lung Association experts warn of wildfire smoke dangers

The Manitoba Lung Association is educating people on the dangers of wildfire smoke inhalation, especially during air quality warnings. 

"We provide education and ongoing research to local researchers to provide evidence-based programming and supports," says Juliette Mucha, the President and CEO of the Manitoba Lung Association in Winnipeg. "We also provide support groups for people with lung cancer, long-COVID, and lung transplants."

Mental health matters: ADAM encourages Manitobans to spring clean their minds

The Anxiety Disorders Association of Manitoba (ADAM) is shining a light on supporting people who struggle with mental health, particularly in the month of May. 

"Spring is typically a time when people spend time tidying up around their home, taking out the garbage," says Scott McFadyen, the Executive Director of ADAM. "We're asking people to do the same sort of thing with their mental health."

Wind, fire, water, Earth: Steve Bell’s 'Pentecost' brings the elements to life

Christian singer and songwriter from Winnipeg, Steve Bell, has released a music video to accompany his song "Pentecost."

"I wrote it with a fellow named Malcolm Guite who's an English poet," says Steve Bell. "We were doing a Sunday morning in Seattle a couple years ago, and it turned out to be Pentecost. He was preaching, I was singing. He said to me, 'Do you have a Pentecost song?' I don't."

A while later, when Bell was at a cabin in Victoria, B.C. with Guite, the pair decided to put music to Guite's poem that was called 'Pentecost.'

One Hope Canada: How prayer is changing lives at summer camp

A Christian ministry is anticipating its upcoming day dedicated to prayer in hopes of sharing the gospel with even more campers this summer. 

One Hope Canada is a national ministry that focuses on sharing the gospel with children and youth, helping kids get an opportunity they might not otherwise have. For example, they help children who come from families that cannot afford to cover the cost of sending them to camp. 

Throttle up for awareness: Manitoba’s Ride for Dad is back

The Manitoba chapter of Motorcycle Ride for Dad is celebrating its 17th annual ride to raise money and awareness for prostate cancer. 

"Our first ride was in 2009, and I think we had about 487 riders," says spokesman Ed Johner with Motorcycle Ride for Dad. "The ride has since then grown to as many as 1,500. Last year, we raised $650,000 in the fight against prostate cancer."

The money raised each year during the ride stays in Manitoba to help those fighting prostate cancer.