50th Anniversary Message

I’m Mackenzie Swope, and I’m honored to serve on Thrive’s Board of Directors and chair the construction committee for our new building.

As we celebrate Thrive Community Support Circle’s 50th anniversary of serving Winnipeg, I’m filled with gratitude and excitement for the future. For over five decades, Thrive has been a beacon of hope in the Spence neighbourhood, quietly but profoundly changing lives.

Our dedicated board of directors, comprised of passionate Winnipeggers, has been instrumental in guiding Thrive’s mission.

We’ve witnessed an extraordinary increase in demand for our services, with annual visits skyrocketing from 7,000 pre-COVID to nearly 50,000 in 2024 – a staggering 400% increase.

So what does A New Chapter for Thrive look like?

In 2021, recognizing the growing needs of our community, we embarked on an ambitious capital campaign for a new building. As Rhonda shared, I’m thrilled to announce that with the help of our capital campaign committee we’ve raised $3.2 million of our $4.5 million goal. This achievement is a testament to the generosity and vision of our donors and the community’s belief in Thrive’s mission.

We’re particularly grateful for the substantial contributions from our major donors, including an anonymous benefactor, the Government of Manitoba, The Johnston Family Foundation, The Winnipeg Foundation, and Qualico, among others.

Our existing and prospective donors are contributing to Thrive’s Future of Community Support

The new Thrive facility at 555 Spence Street will transform how we support our community. This purpose-built space will include:

• A fully accessible facility design, including washrooms, doorways, kitchen, and elevator
• Community kitchen for preparing hot meals for drop-ins, childcare, nutrition and school programs, and job skills training
• Food hamper pick-up area for community members
• Laundry facilities
• Office and storage space for our childcare and early learning centre
• Cultural room dedicated to the diverse practices of the community
• Large drop-in area for socializing and meal service
• Designated registration and intake area for participants
• Classroom for education, social activities, parenting, and support group
• Enhanced safety and security measures
• Storage space for essential supplies such as food, clothing, and harm-reduction items
• Staff room equipped with washroom, storage, lockers, and dining area
• Childminding room to accommodate parents and caregivers attending programs

This facility will unite all our services under one roof, enhancing our ability to provide coordinated care and address critical community issues more effectively.

Recognizing the complexity of Thrive’s diverse offerings, I’d like to expand on Rhonda’s insights and emphasize the significance of our organization.

The multifaceted nature of our services under one umbrella might appear intricate, but it’s crucial to understand the profound impact and importance of Thrive’s mission.

Our comprehensive approach addresses various needs simultaneously, creating a synergy that amplifies our effectiveness. By integrating multiple services, we provide holistic support that goes beyond isolated solutions. This interconnected strategy allows us to tackle challenges from multiple angles, ensuring a more robust and lasting impact on those we serve.

Thrive matters because it represents a unified force for positive change. Our consolidated efforts streamline access to vital resources, making it easier for individuals to receive the support they need without navigating fragmented systems. This efficiency not only improves outcomes but also enhances the overall experience for those we assist.

Thrive’s importance lies in its ability to create a cohesive ecosystem of support, fostering resilience and growth in our community. By understanding the interconnectedness of our services, we can better appreciate the transformative power of our collective efforts.

In essence, what makes Thrive unique is our approach to meeting people where they are, offering both practical resources and heartfelt care. We don’t just provide services; we foster genuine connections and create an inclusive environment where community members feel seen, supported, and empowered.

An example of a tangible and far-reaching impact is that last year, we helped 550 Spence area residents reclaim over $3 million through tax returns. This is just one example of how Thrive gives a hand up, not a handout, empowering individuals to move forward.

That is just one example of why our new building is so important.

With the importance of Thrive in mind I want to end this message by looking forward.

As we move into the public launch of our campaign, we’re excited about upcoming events like our 3rd Annual Quiz Night fundraiser on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. We’re also actively seeking increased government support at all levels to complement the incredible private donations we’ve received.

My own personal experience that encapsulates the spirit of Thrive includes my first tour of the existing Thrive space with Rhonda. Her passion and deep connection to the community we serve was palpable. I hope that I can encourage anyone here who hasn’t seen our current space to do so in 2025 – it will give you a profound appreciation for the transformative potential of our new building.

In closing, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported Thrive over the past 50 years – our staff, volunteers, donors, and community partners. Your commitment has been the cornerstone of our success.

As we look to the future, we’re filled with hope and determination. With continued support, Thrive will not only meet the increasing demands of our community but will also set a new standard for comprehensive, compassionate care in Winnipeg.

Thank you all for being here tonight, and for your unwavering support of Thrive Community Support Circle. Together, we’re building a stronger, more resilient community where everyone has the opportunity to Thrive.