Manitoba Impact Letter 2023/2024

By Scott Gerbrandt, Manitoba Director and Zoe Matties, Manitoba Program Manager

May 1, 2024

In case you missed it, A Rocha in Manitoba sent out an impact letter to people’s mailboxes last month. We thought you’d like to see what was inside!Β 

Letter from the Director

Dear Friends of A Rocha,

Thanks to you our mission to care for creation and equip others to do likewise is growing here in Manitoba. Your financial partnership makes it possible:

  • for kids to explore nature with confidence and joy
  • for the careful monitoring of biodiversity in the Whitemouth watershed
  • and for the imagination of caring for creation to take root in churches

In addition to our financial partners we are so grateful for the continued and deepening collaboration with our church partners, educational communities, and fellow creation care champions: Community Roots Resource Centre, Saint Margaret’s Anglican Church, Many Rooms Church Community and River East Church, Canadian Mennonite University, Providence College University, Nature Conservancy of Canada, Metanoia Farmer’s Cooperative, Mennonite Central Committee Manitoba, and Canadian Foodgrains Bank.

But have you heard? A Rocha in Manitoba is on the cusp of breaking ground at the Boreal Ecology Centre. This fall we are hoping to begin building a lab, classroom and increased overnight capacity in order to increase our collaborative conservation efforts; helping people of all ages and backgrounds enjoy the warmth and wildness of God in the forest and rivers.

We envision a hope-filled world where communities flourish as people and nature thrive together and it is these kinds of connections that make it possible!

Sincerely,

Scott Gerbrandt, Manitoba Director

Program Highlights and Impact

Training Young Earthkeepers

β€œOver the last five years we have been building our new WildRoots Program: a paid summer work experience for young adults. Alongside hands- on experience in environmental education, conservation science, or urban agriculture participants develop leadership skills, participate in team rhythms, and receive vocational coaching. Young adults are particularly vulnerable to feelings of hopelessness related to the changing climate. This program seeks to cultivate hopeful practices with participants, and contribute to the development of the future leaders, scientists, teachers, farmers, and activists etc. that this world desperately needs.”
– Zoe Matties, Manitoba Program Manager

Impact

  • 31 young adults have participated, with 8 more expected this summer
  • 49 people attended permaculture training workshops

Equipping Churches for Creation Care

β€œAttending the inaugural Consider the Lilies event last year was a very powerful experience for both my wife and me. Norman Wirzba’s talk resonated and inspired us. However, it was the practical workshop that motivated us to take action.
It challenged us to implement our newfound knowledge within our church community. As a result, I’m now spearheading the development of a creation care focus for our congregation. A heartfelt thanks to A Rocha for shining a light on these possibilities.”

– David Wiebe, A Rocha Volunteer

Impact

β€’ 152 Participants at Consider the Lilies 2023
β€’ Connected with over 26 churches in Manitoba to inspire and equip them

Conservation in the Whitemouth Watershed

β€œWe are thrilled to be engaging in numerous conservation projects at the Boreal Ecology Centre, each contributing to our understanding of biodiversity and ecosystem health. Birding initiatives run year-round, involving volunteers in tracking birds across different seasons. Our forest monitoring efforts continue to grow, with the establishment of plots enhancing our understanding of plant biodiversity and enabling continued assessments. The annual Boggy River Survey, conducted in collaboration with partners and volunteers, serves to monitor river stability. These projects offer a long- term perspective, providing valuable insights into the changing health of the BEC and inspiring ongoing stewardship.”
– Graham Peters, Manitoba Conservation Science Coordinator

Impact

  • 208 Acres collaboratively cared for
  • 86 Community conservation participants contributing to our conservation projects

Financial Narrative

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Future Impact and the Funding Gap

Our funding need for 2024 is $80,000

Your Gift in Action:

  • $50 provides a workshop equipping a household to take the next steps in creation care
  • $75 provides one person Consider the Lilies Church Conference access
  • $135 provides a week of transformative nature moments for one child
  • $3,000 provides one month training & work by a Conservation Science Assistant in the Whitemouth watershed
  • $386,000 provides one year of FULL operational support for A Rocha Manitoba (this won’t get you naming rights but a solid high five from Scott)
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