When Jed Manaloto first learned he’d received the Gary Coleman Award for Inner City Scholars, one feeling stood out: relief. 

“When I stumbled upon the email saying I’d gotten the award, I felt the burden ease right away,” he said. 

The first-year Information Security student had been preparing to apply for student aid when he discovered his education at RRC Polytech would be fully covered, thanks to the generosity of Gary Coleman and the scholarship he established in 2019. 

“This scholarship program is a way of saying thank-you and giving back to the community, because the community has been very kind to me over the years,” Coleman has said. 

The Gary Coleman Award was created to remove financial barriers for students from Winnipeg’s inner-city schools who have demonstrated academic excellence. Its goal is to provide “full ride” support, allowing students in business, technology, and information security programs to focus on their studies and career development without the stress of paying for tuition, supplies, textbooks and other necessary supports. 

“We started small, which has given us the time to fine tune the program in terms of criteria and the selection process,” said Coleman. “While the program stalled during Covid, it is now growing, with the goal of supporting even more students over the next decade and beyond.”

A Pathway to Cyber Security 

Manaloto’s passion for cyber security began in his first year at Sisler High School. 

“I focused on cyber security for all four years in high school, and decided to continue on this pathway,” he said. “With all the work I’d done at Sisler, I was able to get direct entry into the post-grad program at RRC Polytech.” 

Sisler offers Canada’s first Network and Cyber Security Academy, which equips students with technical and soft skills to thrive in the digital economy. While graduates are considered job-ready, Manaloto wanted additional training to strengthen his career prospects. 

“This program stuck out to me because of the history it has, with lots of Sisler cyber security students choosing this path. It felt like an extension of what I was pursuing at Sisler.” 

Overcoming barriers 

Manaloto and his family moved to Winnipeg five years ago after living briefly in London, Ontario, following their immigration from the Philippines. As newcomers, finances were tight. 

“I was all set to apply for a job just to support my education, when I found the award and saw that I was eligible to apply for it.” 

The scholarship is available to graduates of eight inner-city schools in Winnipeg who have been accepted into select RRC Polytech programs, including Applied Accounting, Business Administration, Application Development and Delivery, Data Science and Machine Learning, IT Operations, and Information Security. 

The award and its far-reaching impacts

Past recipients of the Gary Coleman Award include Selina and Semhar Gerezgiher (Business Administration/Applied Accounting), Cedrick Maglaque (Application Development and Delivery), Raven Tiroy (Business Information Technology), and Regina Arroza (Business Administration). 

“Receiving the Gary Coleman Award has been incredibly meaningful. It eased financial stress and allowed me to focus fully on my studies. More importantly, it gave me a strong sense of encouragement,” said Semhar Gerezgiher, who plans to pursue a Bachelor of Commerce degree at the University of Manitoba’s Asper School of Business after completing her program. “Knowing that the College and the donor believe in my potential has boosted my confidence and motivated me to keep striving for excellence in my academic and career goals.”

Semhar’s sister Selina, another recipient, agrees: “Receiving the Gary Coleman Award didn’t just help pay for my post-secondary education, it genuinely helped me discover my career path,” she said. “Before this scholarship, I was someone who tended to play it safe. I probably would have chosen a field like nursing, even if it didn’t align with my passions, and ended up unhappy in the long run. This award gave me the freedom to explore different areas in my studies without worrying about financial pressure. Through that exploration, I discovered a passion for business that I didn’t even realize I had. It shifted my goals too; I’m no longer motivated only by wanting to make my immigrant family proud. I now have a clear vision for my future.”

“Because of the opportunities this scholarship opened up, I was also able to gain meaningful experience through the Students Temporary Employment Program with the Government of Manitoba, where I applied the business knowledge I’ve been building. This award didn’t just support my education, it changed the direction of my life.” – Selina Gerezgiher

“Receiving the Gary Coleman award has impacted me a lot,” echoes Cedrick Maglaque, whose parent was suddenly unable to work, leaving the family unable to provide the necessary financial support. “I then had to start working different jobs in order to help pay for school costs and also help at home with certain bills. Due to that, I was honestly struggling to focus on my studies.

“Receiving this award significantly helped to reduce my financial burden and allowed me to concentrate on my studies more. It has motivated me to keep pushing harder and continue working hard towards my goals. I’m so very thankful to have been considered to receive the award.”

Looking Ahead 

Winning the award has allowed Manaloto to focus on his studies and participate in extracurricular activities, such as “capture the flag” cyber security competitions that sharpen his technical skills. 

“If I didn’t get the award I’d be thinking of job applications right now, but now I can focus on certifications in the field because I have the extra time to study,” he said. 

As for the future, Manaloto is keeping his options open. 

“After I graduate, I’m going to do my best to look for a job in the industry,” he said. “I’m hoping to get my foot in the door and see where it takes me.” 

For more information about the Gary Coleman Award for Inner City Scholars, please click here. 

A longstanding relationship with one of Manitoba’s premier construction enterprises has led to a generous investment in the future of skilled trades. RRC Polytech is celebrating a $40,000 donation from Penn-co Construction Canada, which will directly support scholarships and awards with the School of Skilled Trades & Technology. 

“Penn-co is guided by high standards, which is why we are proud to support RRC Polytech,” said Rick Penner, Vice President Human Resources, Penn-co Construction Canada. “We have many success stories from RRC Polytech grads that go back many decades. Every year there are new people from RRC Polytech beginning their career paths with Penn-co, both in the office and on the jobsite with the trades, Civil Engineering Technology program, and Btech (Bachelor of Technology) Construction Management.” 

Along with hiring RRC Polytech grads, Penn-co also supports the Polytech’s work-integrated learning program – the organization has three Construction Management students working on their summer co-op this year. 

“Penn-co’s support is a powerful example of industry stepping up to invest in the next generation,” said Derek Kochenash, Dean of the School of Skilled Trades & Technology. “Their generosity will have a lasting impact – not just on our students, but on the communities they’ll go on to build.” 

Penn-co’s support helps to remove financial barriers for students pursuing careers in the construction trades. These awards will empower students to focus on their studies, gain hands-on experience, and graduate ready to contribute to the workforce. 

Penn-co’s investment will also boost student supports and programming within the School of Skilled Trades & Technology, allowing the Polytech to enhance programs, equipment, and tooling – empowering students to kickstart their careers after graduating. 

For more information on RRC Polytech’s awards and scholarships, please click here. 

Chloe Jessop’s journey to the trades is a uniquely Gen Z one. 

“I watched a lot of YouTube videos about how to make things, and knew I wanted to do that too,” she said with a laugh. 

On May 26, 2025, Jessop spoke on a panel with fellow Introduction to Trades student Alex Graham, along with Cabinetry and Woodworking student Logan Loewen and Darren Chambers, Vice-President, Star Plumbing and Mechanical, about the future of skilled trades in Manitoba. 

The conversation was moderated by Derek Kochenash, RRC Polytech’s Dean of the School of Skilled Trades & Technologies, and was part of a larger announcement to celebrate Qualico’s recent donation to RRC Polytech: $1.25 million to support skilled trades programming at the College. 

The donation expands capacity in Intro to Trades and provides additional support to the School of Skilled Trades and Technologies, with the creation of 10 annual awards for Construction Trades students – one of the largest available for skilled trades and technologies students, at $5,000 each.  

“This monumental gift addresses key needs not only here at RRC Polytech but will create a ripple effect of positive change for the industry here in Manitoba,” said Fred Meier, President & CEO, RRC Polytech. “Thanks to Qualico, RRC Polytech’s Introduction to Trades program will grow and expand, allowing even more Indigenous learners to build specialized skills and gain direct entry into the RRC Polytech trades program of their choice.”

Qualico’s gift underscored the importance of drawing more young people like Chloe, Alex and Logan to the trades, to support a workforce that’s currently facing a labour shortage. 

“A strong skilled trades workforce is essential to building the homes, infrastructure, and services that our communities rely on,” said David Eggerman, Regional Vice-President, Qualico. 

“By investing in education and training, we’re taking a practical and forward-looking approach to helping bridge the gap between the growing industry demand and shortage of trades professionals. This commitment supports the development of a stronger, more inclusive talent pipeline, creating long-term benefits for students, our communities, and the industry.” 

The event began with a blessing from Grandmother Janice Millar, a grandmother-in-residence at RRC Polytech, as well as remarks from Min Mike Moroz, Minister of Innovation and New Technology, who brought greetings from the province that emphasized the importance of the collaboration. 

Qualico’s donation will also support more work-integrated learning programming for RRC Polytech’s Certificate Trades programs: carpentry, electrical, plumbing, refrigeration and air conditioning, and cabinetry and woodworking.  

“Applied learning is at the heart of what we do at RRC Polytech – it’s what sets us apart as a polytechnic institution,” said Meier. “This gift will increase opportunities and connections between students and industry, while furthering our joint commitment to the values that make our institutions – and communities – so strong.”

For Chloe Jessop, industry support from Qualico is the perfect complement to a college experience she’d previously thought of as “just a dream.”

“In the Intro to Trades program, I have never felt more supported as a student. And I don’t say that to be cliché, it’s very, very true,” she said. “From having the support of Grandmother Janice, and the support of our instructors, it’s been an incredible experience. 

“We’re ending our program on June sixth, and it makes me quite sad that I don’t get to have shop experiences each week – getting to do hands-on projects and bring them home and say ‘look, Mom – I made this!'”

For more information on Qualico’s support of RRC Polytech, please click here. 

After a decade in the music industry, managing some of Canada’s biggest artists like Carly Rae Jepsen and Marianas Trench, Kayley McGrath knew she was ready for a change. 

“I loved the work and gained amazing opportunities through hard work, but I knew there was a rapidly approaching ceiling on that career,” said the second year Business Administration student. “I love helping people and when researching and deciding on what I’d like my future to look like, I knew that Human Resources was an area where I could problem solve and help make a positive workspace for others. I chose the Human Resources Management program at RRC Polytech because of their reputation within the workforce.” 

McGrath was one of more than 700 students to attend RRC Polytech’s largest-ever Directions Business Conference, presented by the Johnston Group, on March 5, 2025 at the RBC Convention Centre. This year’s conference had close to 150 industry members in attendance, ready to network with students and help them jumpstart their careers. 

“The Directions Business Conference is an important employment engagement opportunity; one that gives students the chance to build strong connections with potential employers while they’re still in school, so they have an added advantage once they graduate,” said Fred Meier, RRC Polytech President and CEO, in his opening remarks.  

“Witnessing the relationships between students and industry is one of my favourite parts of working at RRC Polytech, and I know today will be a special day.” 

Throughout the half-day event, students in the Business Administration, Indigenous Education, Continuing Education and Hospitality and Culinary Arts programs had the opportunity to network with the greatest variety of Manitoba businesses of any Directions Business conference to-date – from larger name corporations to entrepreneurs, start-ups, and small-and-medium sized enterprises. 

“My experience was just pure delight, like a tropical salad of sweet tasting fruits!” said second year Business Administration student Latoya Taylor-Johnson. “It was very knowledgeable, and I had the pleasure of speaking with a few businesses that caught my eyes previously.” 

Melodie Richard, Marketing Director at Johnston Group – and Creative Communications graduate and former instructor – was in attendance, providing welcoming remarks to kick off the day. 

“Partnering with RRC Polytech is an obvious choice for Johnston Group – both of our organizations value community, building relationships, and shaping a better future,” she said. “Supporting the Directions Business Conference gave us a front-row seat to witnessing key relationships being formed between students and industry here in Manitoba. Johnston Group is pleased to hire many RRC Polytech grads, because we know they come out of the College with the skills and knowledge to fit in and hit the ground running.” 

Along with Meier and Richard, the conference featured greetings from the Honourable Renée Cable, Minister of Advanced Education and Training; and keynote speaker Cassandra Carreiro, the founder of Sharecuterie, an Indigenous and woman-owned artisanal charcuterie café and cocktail bar in Winnipeg, who shared her story of shifting from psychiatric nurse to small business owner in the midst of the pandemic – pursuing her passion and leveraging her talent to fill a gap in the market and make her dream a reality. 

“Truly every connection opportunity was beneficial, but I really valued the roundtables.” noted McGrath. “They provided students the opportunity in a smaller group setting to ask questions, relate their studies to their future careers, and create memorable impressions.” 

During the Directions Roundtable Session, presented by Staffmax, representatives from nearly 70 different businesses and organizations hosted students according to their field of interest, inviting them to learn more about the respective organization’s mission, culture and vision. 

“The most valuable part of the day was the interaction with the roundtable,” Taylor-Johnson agreed. “Even though I wish the timing was longer for communicating and being able to speak with more companies. And the best part of the day was the amazingly delicious lunch and fancy desert!” 

The roundtable sessions empowered students to expand their networks, explore roles in various fields, and discover how industry is innovating and solving programs – all while connecting with local organizations that are looking to hire new graduates. 

Students also had the opportunity to boost their professional profiles at the RBC Headshot Lounge, where photographers captured LinkedIn-ready headshots to help take students to the next level. 

“I had a very positive experience at the Directions Conference – I was so pleased with all the relationships RRC Polytech has built, with so many amazing companies in Manitoba,” said McGrath. “I thoroughly enjoyed gaining the opportunity to meet with, hear from, speak with, and create memorable connections with employees, employers, and entrepreneurs that I look up to.” 

Her positive experience in her program inspired an entirely new career path: teaching in her field of study. 

“Something RRC Polytech has fostered in me is my love of working with a group of people to achieve learning new things,” she said. “RRC Polytech has empowered me to see how my experience and educational path partner well together. When I graduate, I want to pursue earning a teaching position, so that I can help students along their educational journey.” 

Four new businesses – a medical transport service, a reusable container program, and two film production companies – will soon be brought to life, thanks to student ingenuity and generous donor support through RRC Polytech’s Mittohnee Pogo’ohtah Entrepreneurship Incubator and Accelerator Program. 

On Monday, March 24, 2025, TD Bank Group presented a cheque for $200,000 to RRC Polytech to support Indigenous student entrepreneurs at Mittohnee Pogo’ohtah. This funding helps the four current entrepreneurs-in-residence, and future student entrepreneurs, see their business dreams come true. 

“We’re so proud to support the Mittohnee Pogo’ohtah Program at RRC Polytech and offer a platform for the next generation of entrepreneurs from Indigenous communities to bring their ideas to life,” said Michael Warren, District Vice President for Manitoba North, TD Bank Group. 

“Through the TD Ready Commitment, our corporate citizenship platform, we’re investing in programs that are focused on rethinking skills development to help nurture a more inclusive economy.” 

Amy Jackson, Director of Mittohnee Pogo’ohtah, noted that of the four student projects, two are currently in operation with plans to scale up, while two are preparing to launch. Mittohnee Pogo’ohtah provides the students with wraparound business supports – such as financial planning, legal advice, and marketing and graphic design – services essential to scaling projects quickly. 

“The students all shared that the business services are a huge money-saver, freeing up finances for them to bring on additional help for their businesses,” said Jackson.  

The students all came to Mittohnee Pogo’ohtah with established business plans to set their projects in motion. One business aims to connect individuals who travel to Winnipeg from northern First Nations communities for medical appointments with essential services, such as transportation from the airport and to appointments. 

Another student is tackling sustainability challenges through reusable containers, while two are exploring different paths related to filmmaking and storytelling – one focused on setting foundations in his business, while the other wants to further develop their product and service menu. 

“Mittohnee is a good pathway for entrepreneurs to take, giving them the capacity to focus on their projects,” continued Jackson. “That idea of working for themselves fulltime is incredibly important – it gives them a sense of accountability and takes a load off their minds, so they don’t have to worry about that financial barrier.” 

Through Mittohnee Pogo’ohtah, each student entrepreneur receives a stipend that frees up finances for them to bring on additional help for their businesses, so they can focus fully on their business plans. 

“Some incredible ideas flow from Indigenous learners at RRC Polytech in such programs as Social Innovation and Community Development. Ideas that not only affirm these students’ potential as entrepreneurs, but ideas that can make real and profound community impact, which benefits us all,” said Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech. 

“Mittohnee ensures that these ideas won’t get shelved because a student doesn’t have access to income, capital, tools, mentors or other essentials that turn innovation into reality.” 

The initiative provides each student with a tailored plan with deliverables, that sets the timing for their involvement in the program. Students work independently on their businesses in a self-directed way, with programming that’s aligned with what would benefit them the most – such as conferences, professional development opportunities, and mentorship. 

“RRC Polytech has been helping entrepreneurs take the next step with their ideas for years, and now, because of this gift from TD, we have a program to share our expertise with the next generation of Indigenous makers and innovators,” continued Meier. “To help strengthen an Indigenous entrepreneurial ecosystem that brings opportunity, growth and change to communities across our province. We take great pride in Mittohnee and look forward to building these important relationships, which serve as a contemporary example of economic reconciliation in action.” 

Mittohnee Pogo’ohtah was launched in June 2024, with additional financial contributions from Prairies Economic Development Canada and the province’s Department of Indigenous Economic Reconciliation. To learn more about Mittohnee Pogo’ohtah, please click here. 

They came, they saw, they built some outstanding snow sculptures. 

RRC Polytech’s third Snow Me the Money! winter engagement contest has come to a close, just in time for the Spring thaw. Despite unpredictable temperatures this year, there were 10 teams who enthusiastically responded to take part in the contest.  

Each team was willing to take time out of their busy schedules to have some winter fun, show off their creativity, and enjoy the company of their teammates while working together to beautify the NDC campus, and Campuses across the province to raise climate action awareness. 

 Congratulations to this year’s winners: 

• 1^st place: Sea Five  

• 2^nd place: Cloud Niners 

• 3^rd place: Health Care Aides Selkirk – Team Busy 

Snow Me the Money! invites our community to come together and have some fun during Winnipeg’s chilly winter season. While the prize is an enticing incentive, the true goal of the contest is to connect with our classmates, co-workers, colleagues, friends and family in a fun activity that boosts morale and mental health. 

But it’s much more than a lighthearted romp in the snow – Snow Me the Money! highlights the harsh realities of climate change and encourages us all to fight for a future where snowy, fun-filled winters are the norm for generations to come. 

At RRC Polytech, we strive to ingrain sustainability in everything we do. There are several College initiatives that are aimed at tackling climate change, such as: 

• Our commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), including Goal 13: Climate Action, through the signing of the SDG Accord. 

• Our efforts to create sustainable campuses – demonstrated by the award-winning Manitou a Bi bii daziigae, a building designed to near net zero efficiency. 

• Research Partnerships & Innovation’s ongoing partnerships with industry to create clean energy solutions for the real world – such as the all-electric bus, the EV Tundra Buggy, and conducting air tightness tests to provide insights into cost-effective measures for reducing energy usage at buildings throughout the province. 

• Our recently released Sustainability Strategy, a comprehensive plan that guides us towards a more sustainable future for RRC Polytech and our broader community. 

The driving force behind Snow Me the Money! is Maria den Oudsten, who has been organizing similar competitions through her Sweet Sorrow Snowman Foundation for years. 

Maria den Oudsten, along with her late husband Jan, presented one of the largest gifts from an individual donor in RRC Polytech’s history – 1.5 million dollars to support students and researchers in Manitoba’s heavy vehicle sector.  

We want to thank Maria and her family for their ongoing support of RRC Polytech and for donating the cash prizes, and for inspiring us all to build a better tomorrow. 

Thank you to all who participated! 

The Merit Contractors Association of Manitoba is dedicated to representing the diverse needs and interests of open shop contractors in our province. In line with its commitment to the industry’s success, the organization has made a substantial contribution to the School of Skilled Trades and Technologies at RRC Polytech, helping to shape the future of skilled trades for years to come.

Merit Manitoba recently pledged $300,000 to the College, allocating half of the funds to the creation of the Merit Contractors Association of Manitoba Endowment Fund and awards for Apprenticeship Trades students, and the remainder supporting the facilities, equipment, and ongoing programming within the School of Skilled Trades and Technologies.

The awards empower apprenticeship students to complete their programs and achieve their Red Seal designation, enabling them to re-enter industry with the needed skills and classification to help them succeed.

“At Merit Contractors, we believe in empowering the next generation of tradespeople. This investment is not just about creating opportunities to support young students – including women and diverse learners – and the programming for the trades at RRC Polytech, but also to support the future of our industry and community,” says Yvette Milner, President of Merit Contractors Association of Manitoba.  

The connection between Merit Manitoba and RRC Polytech runs deep, as many of the organization’s membership base and board members are RRC Polytech grads and partners themselves.

“This partnership with RRC Polytech is exciting because it’s something we’ve been envisioning for a few years,” continues Milner. “It’s finally come to fruition, allowing us to build a stronger, more skilled workforce for tomorrow.”

Thanks to this investment, students enrolled in the Apprenticeship programs within the Construction Trades have the opportunity to receive five awards of $1,000 each annually. The Merit Contractors Association of Manitoba Construction Trades Apprenticeship Awards aim to recognize outstanding achievement in trades, and to shape students to become future industry leaders.

The award is available to students enrolled in the following eligible Apprenticeship programs: Construction Electrician, Carpenter, Plumber, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic, and Heavy Duty Mechanics.  

“Gifts like these are what enable us to continue making a positive impact on our students’ futures. Partnering with organizations like Merit Manitoba not only helps shape our students’ success and strengthen community connections, but also deepens our relationships with industry leaders,” says Derek Kochenash, Dean, School of Skilled Trades and Technologies at RRC Polytech. “This aligns perfectly with our commitments to address emerging needs, promote diversity, and foster broader partnerships and opportunities.” 

In recognition of this contribution, a classroom on the second level of the Skilled Trades and Technology Centre (T building) at Notre Dame Campus has been named in recognition of Merit Contractors Association. 

Dedicated to supporting open-shop contractors in the province, Merit Contractors Association of Manitoba encourages young people to view trades as a valuable and rewarding career path.  

A common sight for visitors to RRC Polytech’s Notre Dame Campus every fall is swarms of Civil Engineering Technology students, honing their skills and surveying the College’s exterior grounds using state-of-the-art equipment.

Much of this important work happens because of the generous support of Lewis Instruments, central Canada’s leading supplier of measurement technology products, which provides the up-to-date gear that supports students’ learning outcomes – the same tools they will use once they enter industry.

“Lewis offers emerging technology in our advanced training that provides crucial exposure to the latest in technology,” says Tammy Harper, Chair, Civil Engineering Technology – Infrastructure at RRC Polytech. “Thanks to Lewis’s ongoing support, students in our Civil Engineering Technology, Geomatic Technology, and Construction Management programs are prepared for their future careers working in construction or as land surveyors once they graduate from RRC Polytech.”

Over the next five years, Lewis Instruments has pledged to provide over 2.5 million dollars in equipment to support RRC Polytech’s Civil Engineering Programs.

“Lewis Instruments proudly stands on over 75 years as a survey equipment supplier in central Canada,” says Nolan Klassen, Sales Manager at Lewis Instruments. “For 25 years as of 2024, we have aligned ourselves with RRC Polytech, providing support by equipping students with the latest in surveying technologies. This partnership not only gives students the needed hands-on experience, but also ensures a seamless transition from academia to the workforce.”

Lewis Instruments also supports future generations of civil engineer technologists through two awards: the Lewis Instruments Ltd. Scholarship & Louis Picard Memorial award, which provides $1,500 each to two students each year.

To recognize this ongoing support, RRC Polytech is naming Civil Engineering Technology’s Surveying Room (A120) after the company. This room is where this equipment is housed and where the students begin their journey into surveying.

“By equipping students with the tools they will encounter in their future roles, we contribute to their readiness for the industry, earning positive feedback from our business clients,” continues Klassen. “This collaboration demonstrates our strong commitment to the education and seamless integration of skilled graduates into the business sector.”

The relationship between RRC Polytech and Lewis Instruments is the perfect example of RRC Polytech’s strategic commitment to deepening partnerships to maximize prosperity across industry and community – a mutually beneficial collaboration that directly connects industry with future members of the workforce.

“Lewis Instruments has always been open to new ideas and opportunities to support our program and training. They continually go above and beyond to bring industry standards and emerging tech to our students,” says Harper. “They will also reach out to our instructors to explore the new technology to provide Lewis Instruments with feedback on their own industry training and understanding of how the new tech will be received by industry.”

Valuable support from donors like Lewis Instruments means RRC Polytech can continue to deliver and transform programs within its School of Skilled Trades and Technologies. This support empowers students with the most current tools, materials, and resources to prepare them for their future careers upon graduation.

Red River Co-op presents cheque for first installation of $150,000 donation

At RRC Polytech, culinary education extends beyond recipes—it builds connections to heritage, self-confidence, and economic reconciliation. Thanks to a $150,000 donation from Red River Co-op, the College’s Culinary Skills (Indigenous) program is creating more avenues for students to develop essential skills, explore traditional ingredients and techniques, and engage in impactful culinary research.

“Our contribution to RRC Polytech is rooted in Red River Co-op’s commitment to fostering local talent and supporting economic growth within the communities we serve,” said Craig Gilpin, CEO of Red River Co-op. “We recognize that Indigenous communities may face systemic barriers to education and employment, and we believe it’s important to help address these inequities by creating meaningful opportunities today. By supporting Indigenous students in culinary training and research, we hope to see graduates bring their skills and knowledge to their communities, drive local innovation, and inspire a more inclusive and culturally enriched culinary industry.”

The program’s class size has grown to 15 students, increasing demand for resources. Red River Co-op’s donation will help meet these needs, said Tracy Brant, Associate Dean, School of Indigenous Education at RRC Polytech. “It’s about ensuring every student has access to tools, ingredients, and experiences that connect them to cultural roots while equipping them for successful futures in culinary arts.”

Culinary Instructor Chef Patrick Anderson sees this expansion as a chance to teach more students about the origins and traditions of Indigenous food. With the donation, the College can support the students in purchasing costly ingredients like game meats or equipment like dehydrators and smokers, so students can prepare traditional foods like pemmican and jerky. “This isn’t just about recipes,” he said. “It’s about grounding students in their cultural roots and the history of food on the plains.”

Beyond the kitchen, Red River Co-op’s support reduces financial barriers for students by covering essentials like chef coats, knife kits, laptops, and even bus passes—critical items often not funded by community grants.

That’s encouraging news to Keegan Thomas, a first-year student from Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation. He said the donation will directly benefit he and his peers. “Having funds available to help purchase equipment we need makes a huge difference. Right now, we’re often sharing things like scales, which can slow us down. It could also help cover costs for bus passes, which makes getting to class easier.”

Keegan, who initially considered a career in lab research, looks forward to the culinary research opportunities made possible by Red River Co-op’s support. The gift will fund bursaries that enable him and other students to participate in culinary research projects hosted by RRC Polytech’s Prairie Research Kitchen. These projects allow students to explore Indigenous ingredients, scale recipes, and address issues like food waste.

“I think every cook is a bit of a research scientist, fine-tuning recipes as they go,” said Anderson. “The Prairie Research Kitchen lets us perfect recipes down to the molecule, and this donation will allow us to explore unique, captivating Indigenous ingredients, bringing students even closer to their culinary heritage.”

Mavis McRae, Director of the Prairie Research Kitchen, highlights the broader impact: “We’re encouraging Indigenous students to use their culinary skills to create new food products. By learning to preserve and utilize local resources, they gain the skills to create sustainable, self-driven food solutions that honour their heritage, while contributing to food security and economic sovereignty within their communities. These projects are part of the College’s larger commitment to economic reconciliation and resilience.”

The ultimate value of Red River Co-op’s generosity is the confidence it instills through the opportunities it creates to nourish others, says Anderson.  “When students see their dishes enjoyed by people at events where they get to share their story, it reinforces that their skills are valuable and their heritage matters. It builds confidence and reminds them that they’re on the right path.”

Do you want to build a snow man? Of course you do! Manitoba is a winter playground that we all love to enjoy and at this time of year we’ve got lots of snow to go around! In “Manisnowba” we show our joy of spending time outdoors in winter proudly. That sentiment is especially clear on RRC Polytech’s campuses when the Snow Me the Money! contest is underway. 

For the third year in a row, RRC Polytech students, staff, and faculty are challenged to create epic snow sculptures for the chance to win one of three cash prizes valued at $1000, $500 and $250. Between March 3-6 groups of classmates, colleagues or co-workers will gather to build unique snow creations on campuses across the province.  

Register a team to build your take on a classic snowperson or get creative and build something new! In past years, groups have created snow cars and semis, snow bears, snow construction workers, snow students, snow drums, and more.  

The contest is sponsored by Maria den Oudsten, a generous member of our donor community who has a passion for snow and has been organizing similar competitions through her Sweet Sorrow Snowman Foundation for years. Her main goal with these competitions is to raise awareness about global warming and to encourage climate action around the world. 

Snow Me the Money! reminds us of all the joys we have in our winter climate, and the importance of protecting it all while getting us together for some fun. 

How the contest works 

Register a team and help create a welcoming “snow village” across our campuses! 

Groups at Notre Dame Campus (NDC) are encouraged to build their sculptures along Route 90 in front of the Jan den Oudsten Vehicle Technology and Research Centre (VTRC) and near the main entrance off Notre Dame Avenue.  

Teams from the Exchange District Campus (EDC) are welcome to come to NDC to build their masterpieces where space and snow are more accessible. Teams from Stevenson and our regional campuses can take part at designated locations on their campuses. 

1. Assemble your team, gather each team member’s email address, and decide on a team name. Then have your team captain sign up your team through the registration form online! Teams can consist of staff, students, and faculty. Family members are also welcome to participate. There is no limit on the number of members per team. Please note that teams must be signed up to be eligible to win prizes. Registration cut off is March 3, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. 

2. Build your snow sculpture between March 3-6, 2025. 

3. Snap a photo of your snow sculpture and send it to Lisa Moore at limoore@rrc.ca before the contest closes at 12:00 p.m. on March 6, 2025. Submissions will be entered to win one of three cash prizes valued at $1000, $500 and $250. Additional prizes may include small amount gift cards and various small tokens of participation. 

4. Maria den Oudsten will be our judge and will select the three cash prize winners. 

5. Attend the celebration wrap up event on March 7, 2025, at NDC to find out if you’ve won some cash! Pizza, cookies, and refreshments will be provided. Those at other campuses who are unable to attend the celebration event will be contacted if they are chosen as a winner. Prize money for the top three snow creations will be awarded to the captain on behalf of the team.  

Contest rules and regulations: 

1. Participants must not interfere with the building of competing sculptures or deface, devalue, or destroy them. 

2. Sculptures will not be monitored, and contest organizers are not responsible for any random acts of vandalism. 

3. No power tools can be used in the construction of your sculptures. 

4. If props are used in any snow sculptures, they must be cleaned up by the end of the day on March 7, 2025. 

5. Participants who fail to comply with RRC Polytech’s safety guidelines and our Respectful College and legal policies as outlined at RRC.ca may be removed from the contest. 

6. The skill-testing question of (10 × 4) – (15 ÷ 3) =? provided on the entry form must be correctly answered to be eligible for the randomly drawn prizes. The odds of winning the grand prizes or raffle depend on the number of entrants. 

7. The contest is free of charge, and no purchase is necessary to register. 

By participating in this contest, participants agree:  

• (a) to be bound by these Contest rules and the decisions of RRC Polytech and the Sponsor, whose decisions are final;  

• (b) to the use of the participant’s, likeness, voice, image, recording, video footage, contest entry submission and statements in connection with this contest and the promotion thereof;  

• (c) that if selected as the winner, you give RRC Polytech the right to publish or broadcast your name, likeness, voice, image, recording, video footage or statements for editorial, promotional, advertising and publicity purposes, without compensation other than the value of the prize offered.  

• (d) to release and indemnify and hold harmless RRC Polytech, the sponsor, and all their respective officers, directors, employees, owners, agents, contractors, representatives, successors and assigns from any liability in connection with or arising out of this contest. 

Now, get ready to bundle up, head outside, and enjoy the snow and team camaraderie as you create the best snow sculptures yet!  

Captains, please register your teams HERE