Timea Derbyshire – Staff Prayer – Feb 20
Leonard shared some thoughts from 1 Timothy 4:7, “Train yourself to be godly” and we prayed for the recreation team in the apartments.
Pink Shirt Day – February 26, 2025
The history of Pink Shirt Day in Canada includes a story of kindness. In 2007, in Berwick, Nova Scotia, after a new student at their school was bullied for wearing a pink shirt, two grade 12 students bought 75 pink shirts and encouraged their classmates to wear pink. The next day they went to distribute the shirts and to their surprise the majority of students arrived wearing pink!
Why is Pink Shirt Day Important?
Pink Shirt Day is an annual event in Canada that raises awareness and funds for anti-bullying programs. It’s celebrated on the last Wednesday of February. This year Pink Shirt Day falls on Wednesday, February 26th. This day raises awareness about the awful effects of bullying – at home, at school and in the workplace – and highlights the simple steps we can take to stop bullying in its tracks. On Pink Shirt Day we remember that when we lift each other up everybody benefits. In a world where you can be anything, be kind.
How to get involved:
- Wear a pink shirt on Pink Shirt Day. This is an excellent day to wear your “If it matters to you, it matters to me” shirt.
- Host or attend events to raise awareness about bullying. There are many programs focused on children and youth, but how can you support Pink Shirt Day at work?
Find ways to practice kindness and support someone who is suffering by clicking here.
These are some strategies:
- Practice kindness, acceptance, and inclusivity
- Do not engage in gossip. Stop gossip when you hear it. Offer to change the topic, think and talk about something positive
- Help your children build healthy self-esteem
- Support your colleagues at work; share something you appreciate about your teammates
- Be inclusive, welcoming, and supportive with colleagues, residents, friends, and family
- When asked why everyone is wearing a pink shirt, be proud to state that Menno does not support bullying
Additional information
- Pink Shirt Day is also known as Anti-Bullying Day https://pinkshirtdaycanada.ca/
If you experience bullying in the workplace please contact your manager. If you would like to speak to someone confidentially, FSEAP (the employee and family assistance program) is available to all Menno Place staff.
To access FSEAP services 24/7/365 – call 1.800.667.0993
Will You be 1 of 450? Donate Blood Today
We have an exciting opportunity to make a real difference this winter by joining the Canadian Blood Services #450Challenge.
Did you know that 450 new donors are needed daily across Canada to meet patient need? This challenge is all about stepping up to help—and I know we’ve got what it takes to make an impact!
You can learn about eligibility and find a donation location near you at: Canadian Blood Services (http://blood.ca/en)
Here’s how we can get involved and make this a team effort:
- Understand our impact
Never donated before? You can be one of the 450 needed each day! Every donation saves lives. Let’s think about the difference we can make together as a team.
Your donation could be the one that changes someone’s life forever. - Spread the word
I’ll be sharing some information about the #450Challenge to get us all familiar with the
cause. If you’re already a donor, share your story with the group—it might inspire someone
else to join in!Feel free to pass along these details to friends and family, too. The more, the merrier. - Get involved together
Let’s book a donation day—we can make it a fun outing and support each other
while giving back.If that’s not possible, no worries—just book your donation and make sure to register
it under our team name. Let’s see how many donations we can rack up! - Let’s get social
It’s time to be loud and proud about the difference we’re making! Post about the #450Challenge
on social media and tag @CanadasLifeline. It’s a great way to motivate others and highlight our
team spirit.Use the hashtag #450Challenge to help spread the word. - Celebrate our wins (you could win an ice cream!)
Every donation counts, so let’s track our progress and celebrate our collective impact!If you choose to donate blood or plasma take a photo of yourself after your donation and upload it using the form below. Everyone who donate will be entered into a draw for a $10 gift card to get the fanciest ice cream you can dream up from the new machine in Fireside Café.
Fill out my online form.
February is Therapeutic Recreation Month in Canada
This month, we celebrate and recognize the amazing work of Recreation Team who make a lasting impact on individual’s lives. Through their passion, creativity, and commitment, they help people of all ages and abilities enhance their well-being and achieve their fullest potential.
Recreation Therapy isn’t just about fun and games; it’s about healing, empowerment, and improving quality of life. Here on campus, whether through physical, mental, or social activities, recreation therapists are at the forefront of promoting holistic health and inspiring positive change.
To the Recreation Team – thank you for your dedication, compassion, and tireless work. Your ability to bring joy, healing, and connection is a true gift, and we are so grateful for all you do! 💙
As a manager, I am incredibly proud to work alongside such an inspirational Recreation Therapy team. Their unwavering commitment to our residents, ability to bring joy, and create meaningful personal connections each day is truly remarkable, and it’s an honor to witness the positive impact they have on lives. ~ Linda Weatherly, Manager of Therapeutic Recreation and Volunteer Services
Leonard Klassen – Staff Prayer – Feb 13
This morning Sharon Simpson shared some thoughts from Romans 12:1-2 and we prayed for Leonard Klassen as he leads the Life Enrichment team.
Staff Appreciation Tea – Honouring Staff Achievements in 2024
From awards that marked 645 years of service to the nominations that poured in for outstanding achievements there was plenty to celebrate at this year’s Staff Appreciation Tea.
New Meal and Snack Options at Fireside Cafe
What do ice cream, chicken biryani and fresh pizza have in common? You can get any (or all) of them anytime in the Fireside Café.
If you’ve been in Menno Hospital recently you might have noticed a few shiny, new machines located right across from the Fireside Café. We are trialing new vending machines – like NOTHING you’ve ever seen before! Come and try them out and let us know what you think.
You can select from:
- Hot meals like chicken ginger gyoza, vegetable stir fry, butter chicken with rice and steamed pork buns ($7-$10)
- Soft serve ice cream – choose your syrup and toppings
- Fresh baked pizza (available soon)
- Soft drinks and snacks
The machines are credit card only can be accessed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They are available to staff, residents, families and visitors. There will be an official launch later in the year.
YUMM! One staff member tried the pork steam bun (bao) last week and said it was DELICIOUS – really great flavor, nice and hot.
Where’s the coffee?
Don’t worry caffeine lovers, we have not forgotten you. In March we’ll be adding a Smart Café in a Box machine that will serve fresh, customizable hot or iced coffees, lattes, and teas, along with a wide selection of pop and fruit juices.
What will you try first?
MEMO Re: Long Weekend Sick Calls – Family Day
To: All Menno Place Staff
From: Jessy Manhas
Date: February 10, 2025
Re: Long weekend Announcement Regarding Sick Calls
Dear Team,
In the past, we have noticed a pattern of increased sick calls over the long weekend, followed by staff working on the statutory holiday the next day. All staff scheduled to work during the long weekend are expected to report to their shifts as usual.
Due to this recurring pattern, we will require proof of illness/doctor’s note as per the Collective Agreement from anyone who calls in sick on February 15 and 16. Additionally, if you call in sick on February 16, 2025 and then come to work on the statutory holiday, February 17, 2025, an investigation will be initiated by your Manager with a Shop Steward and a doctor’s note is mandatory. Failure to comply will result in disciplinary action and a risk of no sick time pay.
We appreciate your understanding and dedication to our residents’ care. Adhering to these guidelines will help ensure smooth operations throughout the long weekend.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your department manager.
Sincerely,
Jessy Manhas
Manager of People & Culture
604-851-1346
Snow for Abbotsford: Special Weather Statement
We have received a Special Weather Statement from the Meteorological Service of Canada. This alert is issued for weather events that are unusual or cause general inconvenience or public concern.
Details of the Alert:
- Type of Weather Event: Snowfall of 2 to 4 cm is expected, with local amounts exceeding 5 cm possible. High Winds with accumulated snow drifts.
- Expected Duration: Anticipate the inclement weather to persist through the weekend
- Areas Affected: Abbotsford and surrounding regions
Precautionary Measures:
- Ensure you have adequate supplies at home.
- Avoid unnecessary travel during the alert period.
- Stay updated with the latest weather information through reliable sources.
Your safety is our priority. Please take the necessary precautions and stay safe. If you have any concerns or need assistance, do not hesitate to reach out.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Welcome to Noucky – Life Enrichment Associate
Noucky Khounmaytri will start her new role as Life Enrichment Associate on Monday, Feb. 10th.
