‘Tis the season to shop local, and this year, Red River College is proud to share a number of ways the community can support our diverse network of alumni creators, entrepreneurs and innovators.
“Red River College’s alumni community has been creative and resilient throughout this pandemic,” says Katrina Sklepowich, RRC’s Alumni Engagement Officer.
“Alumni business owners continue to raise the bar with ingenious solutions to our new living and working conditions. There are many COVID heroes in our community and we want to thank them for all that they do to keep us safe and healthy, and to keep our economy going. One of the best ways we can show our support for the important work they do is to shop local this holiday season.”
With the current provincial Code Red restrictions, many of our favourite local businesses have had to close up shop and move online where possible, and many holiday market opportunities have been cancelled. These businesses have had to adapt to a new way of doing business and identify creative and innovative solutions to sell their products and services in a safe way.
For the last two years, the Sustainability team and Alumni Engagement have hosted a day-long, Made by RRC Winter Market, where talented alumni, staff and student makers sell their wares and promote their business to the College community.
The event is always well-attended by both makers and shoppers looking for the perfect gift for the special people in their lives.
This year, since we can’t gather physically for the event, the College has compiled a list of alumni and makers who participate in the Winter Market each year, so we can continue to support these businesses this holiday season.
“As a College, we host several farmers’ and makers markets throughout the year to give staff and students opportunities to participate in low- to no-waste shopping options, as these vendors typically use less packaging on their products and with less travel, they carry a lower carbon footprint,” says Sara MacArthur, Director of Campus Planning and Sustainability at RRC.
“While the pandemic has been challenging in a number of ways, it has also provided a valuable learning opportunity for us to think more critically about the purchases we make and the impact they have on the environment and the economy. We are proud once again to support our talented local artisans and alumni and encourage the College community to shop local this holiday season.”
Food and Beverages
GOLD BONE BROTH
Creative Communications grads Mike Germaniuk and Faye Armstrong will help you welcome the cold weather with bison, chicken, and vegan broths.
COOKS CREEK KIMCHI
RRC Business Technology Management grad Viktor Marusyk makes his own kimchi — an ancient Korean superfood — right here in Manitoba.
DANG GOOD TEA
RRC staff member Vadsana Phommainh makes delicious Honey Turmeric Tea — it’s a delicious gift anyone would love to sip on this season.
J’EM BISTRO
Professional Baking and Patisserie grad Josee Cure has the home-cooked finish for all your seasonal recipes. Made from scratch and with love, J’em Bistro has everything, from mustards and vinaigrettes to soups and bread, pickles and jams, pastries and more.
Baked Goods
JENNA RAE CAKES
Graphic Design alum Ashley Nicole Kosowan, along with sister Jenna Rae Hutchinson, the masterminds behind popular Winnipeg bakery Jenna Rae Cakes (JRC), announced the launch of their first cookbook earlier this year. Grab a copy to make the sweet treats yourself or pick up treats from one of their two Winnipeg locations.
Check out Ashely’s interview with RRC’s Dr. Christine Watson here.
CINNAHOLIC
RRC Business Administration grad Menchie Finlay serves up award-winning gourmet cinnamon rolls that are 100% vegan. Cinnaholic offers more than just your average ‘Old Fashioned’ roll.
BUTTER & LARD BAKING COMPANY
Professional Baking and Patisserie grad Chantal Sutherland creates classic recipes just like our grandmas make. Unapologetically old fashioned, Chantal uses simple and good local ingredients like butter, organic flour and eggs.
SWEETS & SPRINKLES
Business Administration grad Gerardo Rodriguez makes delicious themed cookies, cupcakes and macarons for every occasion.
Arts and Crafts
JULIE PEDERSEN DESIGN
Business Administration grad Julie Pedersen has the gift that gives back this season. Created from upcycled samples, her StufF bags have many uses and give back to children, youth and families through the Treehouse Project at the Winnipeg Foundation.
THE SERGIN MARY
RRC staff member Mary Northover-Ramey has all of the festive and sustainable gift bags you could imagine to wrap your gifts for that special someone!
DREAMING TREE PAPER COMPANY
Digital A/V Production alum Julie Epp has your old favourite book in a new unique journal. By upcycling vintage hardcover books, Julie gives the covers a new purpose.
ELECTRIC IMPRESSION
RRC Art grad and instructor Warren Alejandro-Yarema will electrify your home decor with abstract art and furniture. You can also check out his shop on GoodLocal.
Apparel
MODERNO THE CULINARY SUPPLY
Culinary Arts grad Anthony Carino has created his very own line of chefs bow ties and aprons, keeping you looking sharp in the kitchen this winter.
IHOOKED
Health Information Management grad Courtney Edworthy will have you staying warm this season with crocheted one-of-a-kind toques and scarves.
QUEENSTON CRAFTS
RRC staff member (and double grad in Library and Information Technology and Technical Communications) Lynn Gibson has quality handcrafted sweater mittens – perfect for the Winnipeg winters – made from upcycled wool sweaters. Each pair are unique and lined with warm, snugly fleece for warmth and comfort.
MYA PAPAYA
Business Administration grad Angie Tucker weaves yarn into wearable creations, such as soft snuggle buddies, beaded rainbow necklaces and keychains.
Skin Care, Beauty and Cleaning Supplies
BROWS BY G
When former RRC Business Administration student Giovanna Minenna isn’t doing a deal with CBC’s Dragon’s Den, she’s making sure Manitobans’ eyebrow game is strong — with a range of products and services offered through her two Winnipeg stores.
CZE BY TANIA
RRC Business Administration grad Tania Czemerynski will help you smell and feel ready for these colder months with all-natural, handcrafted, cruelty-free hair, beard, and skin care.
ART SOAP LIFE
RRC Graphic Communications grad Rebecca Haverluck has all your handmade natural soap and skincare needs.
BRIE’S BOTANICALS
RRC grad Brie Henderson creates all-natural, handcrafted aromatherapy products, essential oils, air fresheners, yoga mat cleaners, multipurpose cleaners and more.
Gifts and Jewelry
COAL & CANARY CANDLE COMPANY
Graphic Design grad Amanda Buhse creates quality handmade, cheeky candles for all the playful personalities in your life.
SMALL JANE KIDS
RRC Graphic Design grad Jessie Thiessen illustrates children’s books exploring the alphabet and numbers with colourful characters and beautiful artwork. She has the perfect gift for the little ones in your life with her books, Small Jane doll, posters, tote bags, holiday cards and wrapping paper.
Try her free Around the House Scavenger Hunt Game here.
TINY MAKER MIND
Business Admin grad Avery-Anne Gervais has the perfect gift for “extra” little ones with custom-made, intricate, laser-engraved alphabet blocks made of solid hardwood and designed to withstand generations of play.
HIKE MANITOBA
Bachelor of Nursing grad Jaime Manness wants you and your family to take a hike with her new compilation and guidebook of 51 Manitoba hiking trails. Hike Manitoba is the perfect, unique gift idea to help you find creative ways to enjoy the outdoors this year.
LOTUS MOON JEWELS
RRC staff member (and former Business Administration student) Tara Luchuck sells handcrafted jewelry made with genuine, natural gemstones. Each type of gemstone exhibits different metaphysical and healing properties.
BLISSFUL MINDS
RRC Business Administration student Lindsay Uvery sells seasonally decorated, all-natural bath bombs with accompanying soaps, lip balms, jewelry and so much more!
TOBAN FOLK CRAFTS
Early Childhood Education grad Kari Cook brings the Manitoba prairies to wherever home is this holiday season. With hand-painted wood signs, ornaments and hand-made pillows, this family-run business includes not just one but four RRC graduates!
URBAN EMBER
Animal Health Technology alumni Michelle Mckendry hand-pours vegan, sustainable and eco-friendly wood-wick, coconut-wax candles that make a wonderful gift. (Maybe even for you!)
FRASER AND FERN
MRI and Spectroscopy alumni April Fernandez offers a combination of hand-painted and digitally designed prints, even custom for those that wish!
GRUMBLE TOY
RRC staff member (and RRC Digital Media Design grad) Chris Bryan designs and produces original toys, T-shirts and art prints.