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On Sunday, May 4, we at Bravestone Centre were thrilled to welcome our community to the 4th Annual Sunday Brunch at the Centro Caboto Centre. The event was a heartwarming gathering of friends, supporters, and advocates, all united in our mission to empower women and their children to rebuild lives after experiencing intimate partner violence. 

Guests were greeted by the soothing melodies of violinist Allan Palmer, setting a serene tone for the morning. Sorrento’s provided brunch, offering a variety of incredible dishes fit for any appetite. Our master of ceremonies and friend of Bravestone, Laurie Barkman, opened the event and guided the programming, sharing her enthusiasm and support for the work done by Bravestone. 

Our Executive Director, Lori Rudniski, who has dedicated over two decades to leading Bravestone Centre, expressed sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed to the event’s success. She highlighted how the funds raised directly support our year-long program, which offers a safe and confidential program suite, individual and group counselling, and essential resources to help families break the cycle of abuse. 

Elder Florence Paynter, from Sandy Bay First Nation and a band member of Norway House Cree Nation, shared a poignant reflection on the intergenerational trauma caused by the residential school system. As a survivor herself, she emphasized the importance of culturally informed healing practices and the need for continued support for Indigenous communities. 

Special guest speaker Lara Rae, founding director of the Winnipeg Comedy Festival and a University of Winnipeg instructor, brought both humor and insight to the event. Drawing from her experiences within the LGBTQ2S+ community, Rae discussed the nuances of violence and the importance of acceptance, using her comedic talents to discuss a topic that’s often hard for people to explore. 

The event also featured a silent auction and a 50/50 draw, with numerous organizations donating items to support the cause. As a non-profit charity, Bravestone Centre relies on government funding, donations, and fundraising events like our Sunday Brunch to meet the needs of our clients. The generosity of our community ensures that we can continue to provide comprehensive, trauma-informed care to women and children seeking a fresh start. 

For those who couldn’t attend, we hope you’ll join us in the fall for our annual Trivia Night—a lively evening of fun and fundraising that brings our supporters together for a great cause. Stay tuned for more details on our website and social media channels. 

A massive amount of appreciation is due to our dedicated event planning committee, whose tireless efforts and meticulous attention to detail brought this event to life. Thank you to everyone who made the 4th Annual Sunday Brunch a success. Your support empowers us to continue our vital work, helping families heal and thrive. 

Thank you to our sponsors!

Presenting Sponsor: Manitoba Blue Cross Table Sponsors: Pitblado Law, Assiniboine Credit Union, and Talbot & Associates

Corporate Sponsors: Fort Group, Manitoba Hydro, and Stantec

 

– By Shay Funk