Our Stories

Our Stories

The largest immunization program in Manitoba’s history began with a single dose on December 16, 2020. Explore dozens of stories featuring Manitobans who chose to step up to protect themselves and their loved ones from COVID-19.

Filters:
Why I got Vaccinated - Anger Unger

Andrew Unger

Mark Reimer (English)

 Mark Reimer (German)

Mark Reimer (English)

Mark Reimer (English)

Tina Fehr (English)

Tina Fehr (German) 

Tina Fehr (English)

Tina Fehr (English)

Renata Meconse with daughter Ava, age 10

Renata Meconse with daughter Ava, age 10

During the initial vaccine rollout in early 2021, Ava asked, “When will kids be able to get their vaccine?” We cautiously went through 2021 waiting for Ava to be eligible for her vaccination. That day came later in November 2021. Before getting her shot, Ava and I read the fact sheet about children and vaccines. […]

Scott & Abigail Larson with daughter Nala, age 6

Scott & Abigail Larson with daughter Nala, age 6

We chose to vaccinate our daughter Nala, who is 6 years old, to keep her safe but also because we have new babies, elderly and at-risk people in our extended families. While we weren’t too anxious about the risk of Nala herself ending up in the ICU, the bigger issue was reducing transmission to those […]

Carlo and Heidi Cecilio with daughter Zooey, age 8

Carlo and Heidi Cecilio with daughter Zooey, age 8

We’re from the Philippines and we arrived in Winnipeg in February 2021. When we came to Canada, Zooey, our 8-year old daughter, had to go through a swab test for COVID-19 and catch up on other immunization shots. Because of all of that she was a little more experienced with what to expect when getting […]

Heather & Alan Lawless with son Nolan, age 7

Heather & Alan Lawless with son Nolan, age 7

For our family it was especially important to get our son Nolan vaccinated, to protect him against COVID-19. Nolan has a combination of delays and disabilities, including a neurological disorder. He also has a rare form of epilepsy, and since signs for seizures appear on his face we don’t allow him to wear a mask. […]

Dr. Jared Bullard, Pediatrician, Children’s Hospital and son

Dr Jared Bullard, Children’s Hospital Pediatrician & Dad

Now that Health Canada has approved the COVID-19 vaccine for kids ages 5 to 11, my own child Donovan, who just turned 11, finally received his first dose! Donovan, like a lot of kids I see, is scared of needles. Unlike other routine vaccines, Donovan has seen his sister, his aunts and uncles, grandparents and […]

Aubrey Trenholm

Aubrey Trenholm

I was very surprised and happy that I won the $25,000 scholarship. I’m looking to pursue architecture or engineering and the scholarship is going to be very helpful. I decided to get vaccinated because the faster everybody gets vaccinated, the faster everything is going to go back to normal. Because I am vaccinated, I can […]

Lottery Winners

Kerry Maskiew, Vax to Win Lottery Winner

Southern Health-Santé Sud Health Authority Winner of the Vax to Win Lottery The morning they called to tell me I won the Vax to Win Lottery, I woke up my wife: “Honey, we just won the lottery!” We hugged! We were so happy. We’ve been to hundreds of socials over the years, entered draws, and […]

Dustin McDuffe, Vax to Win Lottery Winner

Dustin McDuffe, Vax to Win Lottery Winner

Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority Winner of the Vax to Win Lottery When I found out I won the Vax to Win lottery I phoned my wife right away. I think she was even more excited than I was. At first, I didn’t believe it could be real, like it was too good to be true. […]

Dr. Jared Bullard, Pediatrician, Children’s Hospital

Dr. Jared Bullard, Pediatrician, Children’s Hospital

As an infectious disease expert, pediatrician, public health virologist and a father of two children aged 14 and 11, I’ve been uniquely positioned to offer advice over the past year as the new COVID vaccine was introduced in Manitoba.  In my practice as a pediatrician I’m used to explaining the need for regular immunizations for […]

John Lyons, VAX to WIN Lottery

John Lyons, VAX to WIN Lottery

Prairie Mountain Health Authority Winner of the Vax to Win Lottery I was totally shocked to win this lottery. I buy lottery tickets once in a blue moon, and I won $20 once. This is a little bit of a bigger prize! My wife and I went to get vaccinated together at the Western Medical […]

Trent Fingler, Vax to Win Lottery Winner

Winnipeg Regional Health Authority Winner of the Vax to Win Lottery I was surprised and rather skeptical when I got the call that I had won the Vax to Win Lottery. I had actually forgotten about the Vax to Win lottery altogether. Once it really sunk in, I felt reassured that I now had some […]

Jacqueline Martel, Vax to Win Lottery Winner

Jacqueline Martel, Vax to Win Lottery Winner

Southern Health-Santé Sud Health Authority Winner of the Vax to Win Lottery To celebrate winning, my fiancé and I went out for dinner at a steakhouse. We ordered a bottle of wine, which can be pricey at a restaurant, but we figured why not—it’s the Portage la Prairie style of going all out! I had […]

GARTH DELESKE, Vax to Win Lottery Winner

Garth Deleske, Vax to Win Lottery Winner

Winnipeg Regional Health Authority Winner of the Vax to Win Lottery It’s hard to keep a straight face when you’ve just won $100-grand! When I heard, I was working at my job in the tire industry. I wasn’t supposed to tell anybody, but I couldn’t stop myself from doing a happy dance in the middle […]

Tracey Schlamb, Manager of Department of Nursing, CancerCare Manitoba

Tracey Schlamb, Manager of Department of Nursing, CancerCare Manitoba

I’m a nursing manager for CancerCare Manitoba. During the pandemic, it’s been very hard for those working in healthcare to keep up the positive face that we show our patients. The pandemic-related changes are happening quickly, which places a strain on us. Cancer patients still require treatment and care and unfortunately, our patients are coming […]

Sachit Mehra, General Manager, East India Company

Sachit Mehra, General Manager, East India Company

Getting vaccinated is the most important thing everyone can do right now. It’s fast and easy. Vaccination is extremely important for those of us who have underlying medical conditions or are vulnerable members of our community. But most of all, it’s going to help all of us return to normal. Those are the reasons why […]

Maysoun Darweesh, Program Coordinator for Migration and Resettlement, MCC Manitoba

Maysoun Darweesh, Program Coordinator for Migration and Resettlement, MCC Manitoba

I am a program coordinator for migration and resettlement with MCC Manitoba where I work with newcomers and youth in the community. Due to COVID restrictions I meet with community youth outside to talk, following public health guidelines. I can’t do some parts of my job, like home visits.  I’m a single mom and have […]

Kevin Chief, Chief Partnerships Manitoba Inc

Kevin Chief, Chief Partnerships Manitoba Inc

Through Chief Partnerships Manitoba Inc. Kevin leads a team working to build relationships that strengthen community. Born and raised in Winnipeg’s North End, he has considerable public sector and community experience. Kevin and his wife Melanie have three young sons: Hayden, Kellan, and Daxton. He is also known as a high steppin’ square dancer as part of […]

Taya Rtichsheva, Founder and Executive Director, U Multicultural

Taya Rtichsheva, Founder and Executive Director, U Multicultural

I worked as a television and film producer in Kazakhstan before immigrating to Canada. In 2017, I opened U Multicultural as a not-for-profit ethnocultural community television and radio broadcaster that focuses on diverse communities in Manitoba. But we had to shut down the studio because of the pandemic. Normally we have members from 30 communities, […]

Tyler Hill, Winnipeg Goldeyes

Tyler Hill, Outfielder, Winnipeg Goldeyes

Outfielder Tyler Hill is in his seventh season of professional baseball, and returns to the Goldeyes after hitting .375 for the club in 2019.  Hill had his contract purchased by the Kansas City Royals late that summer, and was assigned to the Carolina League’s Wilmington Blue Rocks in his hometown of Wilmington, Delaware.  The 25-year-old […]

Mwumvaneza Azarias Butariho, Housing Advisor, New Journey Housing

Mwumvaneza Azarias Butariho, Housing Advisor, New Journey Housing

The COVID-19 pandemic has been stressful for me. I work from home now and I really miss my colleagues at New Journey Housing. As part of my job as a Housing Advisor I teach a rental workshop where I talk about rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlords. I also teach home purchasing workshops where […]

Kyle Penner, Pastor, Grace Mennonite Church, Steinbach

Kyle Penner, Pastor, Grace Mennonite Church, Steinbach

If you were to ask me to summarize what Mennonites believe, I’d give you 3 quick answers:  Jesus is the centre of our faith; community is the centre of our life; and, peace and reconciliation is the centre of our work.  COVID-19 has made the second one incredibly challenging. How do you value community when […]

Katelyn Goertzen, RNBN, WRHA Rapid Response Nurse

Katelyn Goertzen, RNBN, WRHA Rapid Response Nurse

Born and raised in southern Manitoba, and now living in central Winnipeg, I’m well aware of how COVID-19 has challenged every aspect of society. The first lockdown began while I worked at Children’s Hospital, then I transitioned to Community IV nursing, and finally, I joined Rapid Response Nursing (RRN).  Within RRN, my team and I […]

Ron Cantiveros, Filipino Journal

Ron Cantiveros, Filipino Journal

In the Filipino community, we often have multi-generational families in one household. We also have a large community of over 85,000 Filipinos in Manitoba – many of whom are essential workers in healthcare, retail, manufacturing and food service industries. Because of this, I wasn’t surprised when I learned that the rates of transmission within the […]

Colleen Smook, Mayor of Thompson

Colleen Smook, Mayor of Thompson

I’ve called Thompson home for 43 years. My husband Nick and I have been part of the  construction industry, owning apartment blocks in the 90’s, and are owners of McCreedy Campground. As well, I’ve served on numerous boards and have been involved in the activities of my children and grandchildren over the years. I care about our […]

Cheryl Christian, Mayor of West St. Paul

Cheryl Christian, Mayor of West St. Paul

Elected as Mayor in 2018, Cheryl is committed to working hard for the West St. Paul community. Cheryl and her husband Derek have dedicated years to volunteering in the community, coaching baseball, ringette and hockey. They and their five children enjoy  boating, camping and participating in community sports. Cheryl encourages all Manitobans to get their COVID-19 […]

Andrew Collier – General Manager, Winnipeg Goldeyes

Andrew Collier – General Manager, Winnipeg Goldeyes

As the General Manager of the Winnipeg Goldeyes, I love coming to the ballpark but the atmosphere is just a little different these days because we can’t have our fans in the stands. I care deeply about this community because it is such a special place. I signed up and got my vaccine as soon […]

Tanya Sandhurst, Pharmacist

Tanya Sandhurst, Pharmacist

The day I found out COVID-19 vaccines were coming to Manitoba, I literally jumped up and down with joy. Like everyone else, I had been anticipating that day for a long time. I’m thankful that I’m now fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and to doing my part in stopping the spread. Now, I can go to […]

Uzoma Asagwara, the MLA for Union Station

Uzoma Asagwara, MLA for Union Station

Uzoma Asagwara, the MLA for Union Station, feels amazing now that they’ve had the vaccine. They feel a sense of relief and of joy, and like so many other people that have gotten their vaccine, they are feeling very, very grateful. 

Gina Silva, Communication Supervisor, Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Services

Gina Silva, Communication Supervisor, Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Services

I’m a 911 communication operator supervisor in the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Services. As a supervisor, there are up to 15 people in my platoon that I’m responsible for. The way the desks are set up, we can’t physically distance ourselves, so we’ve been wearing masks in the office 24/7 since March 2020.  My husband is […]

Rick Chrest, Mayor, City of Brandon

Rick Chrest, Mayor, City of Brandon

Born and raised in Brandon’s East End, Mayor Rick Chrest was elected Mayor of the City of Brandon in 2014. Rick and his wife Karen have raised three children. Mayor Rick Chrest is optimistic about the future of Brandon and encourages everyone to get vaccinated. 

Ralph Groening, Reeve, Rural Municipality of Morris

Ralph Groening, Reeve, Rural Municipality of Morris

Ralph was elected to the RM of Morris council in 1995 and has served as Reeve since 2010. Ralph lives in the Town of Morris and is a former grain and oilseed farmer. He is married to Patti and they have five children.

Ryan Youngson, Firefighter Primary Care Paramedic, Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service

Ryan Youngson, Firefighter Primary Care Paramedic, Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service

I’m a firefighter and primary care paramedic. We get sent out to help people who are sick and injured, and to provide medical aid, including those who are COVID-positive. I’m someone who doesn’t usually stress about many things, but at work I am glad that we can rely on PPE to protect ourselves. We’ve been […]

Tim Smith, Pharmacist & Co-Founder, Simplicity Wellness

Tim Smith, Pharmacist & Co-Founder, Simplicity Wellness

As a pharmacist, I’ve been vaccinating Manitobans at pharmacies across the province. I’ve been surprised by how emotional the experience is to protect Manitobans against COVID. Each vaccination is one step closer to normal life and you can see the joy in each person’s face as they get immunized. I felt the same emotion myself […]

Lynne Skromeda, Executive Director, Winnipeg Folk Festival

Lynne Skromeda, Executive Director, Winnipeg Folk Festival

One of the most challenging parts of the pandemic is not being surrounded by the community we love. Sure, we have social media and Zoom dates to keep in touch. But it’s not the same as being in the same place, at the same time, feeling the power of live music with the people we […]

Chris Frayer, Artistic Director, Winnipeg Folk Festival

Chris Frayer, Artistic Director, Winnipeg Folk Festival

I was raised on live music, I played live music and I have been producing live music for the last 20 years. It’s been a huge part of my life and one of my greatest passions. Live music brings people together, builds community, connects artists with fans and of course, creates lasting memories. Our industry […]

Eileen Clarke, Minister of Indigenous and Northern Relations, MLA for Agassiz

Eileen Clarke, Minister of Indigenous and Northern Relations, MLA for Agassiz

Like many Manitobans, I received my first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine last week. COVID-19 has impacted all of our lives. The virus has disproportionately affected remote and Indigenous communities across Canada. We’ve been honoured to work with Indigenous communities who are working hard to keep their communities safe. I want to thank Indigenous […]

Audrey Gordon, Minister of Mental Health, Wellness & Recovery, MLA for Southdale

Audrey Gordon, Minister of Mental Health, Wellness & Recovery, MLA for Southdale

Today, I received my first dose of the Pfizer vaccine along with my husband at the immunization Super-Site, at the RBC Convention Centre. Thank you to the staff and volunteers that made our experience safe, quick and efficient. I’m happy to do my part in the fight against COVID-19 and to keep more people safe […]

Roselyn Advincula, Neighbourhood Immigrant Settlement Coordinator, Immigrant Centre Manitoba

Roselyn Advincula, Neighbourhood Immigrant Settlement Coordinator, Immigrant Centre Manitoba

Earlier this year, I would have said no to a COVID vaccine. All my information was coming from social media. Then the NorWest Co-op community health clinic had an information session about vaccine awareness, with a nurse who did a Q&A session. Everyone there was able to freely ask questions about the things they had […]

Tina Anderson RN, Brachytherapy Nurse, Department of Nursing, CancerCare Manitoba

Tina Anderson RN, Brachytherapy Nurse, Department of Nursing, CancerCare Manitoba

As a Registered Nurse, I was vaccinated in January at the RBC Convention Centre in Winnipeg. When I received my first dose of the vaccine, I was very excited, but a little nervous too, because we were among the first in Manitoba to be vaccinated. I know Health Canada has very strict policies before any […]

Kathy Kennedy, CJOB Radio Host & Host of Kinsmen Jackpot Bingo

Kathy Kennedy, CJOB Radio Host & Host of Kinsmen Jackpot Bingo

As a radio host who lives with lupus and craves human interaction, getting the vaccine meant the absolute world to me. While I’m actually terrified of needles, I was really looking forward to getting this one! The pandemic has been really tough for me, even in a professional capacity. Emotionally, it has been really draining […]

Shaun Jeffrey, Manitoba Restaurant Association & Stephanie Jeffrey, Manitoba Fitness Council

Shaun Jeffrey, Manitoba Restaurant Association & Stephanie Jeffrey, Manitoba Fitness Council

Shaun and Stephanie Jeffrey booked vaccine appointments as soon as they became eligible at a medical clinic not far from their home. “We found a clinic with available vaccines on the vaccine-finding website from the province of Manitoba,” says Shaun. After their AstraZeneca shots, both had trouble sleeping that night because of chills and feeling […]

Dr Dan Hunt, Family & ER doctor at Boundary Trails Hospital

Dr Dan Hunt, Family & ER doctor at Boundary Trails Hospital

As an emergency room doctor, the first half of the pandemic was the most stressful for me because there was no vaccine. I did not know how many times I would be exposed to COVID every day at work. I worried that I would become ill with COVID, or even worse, that I would bring […]

Danny Hutchinson, Post-Secondary Administration & Teulon Rockwood Firefighter

Danny Hutchinson, Post-Secondary Administration & Teulon Rockwood Firefighter

When I think about this past year and all the ways COVID has impacted my family’s life, I really do feel the worst for our kids. My wife and I have ten-year-old twins – a son and a daughter – and they’re both starting to go a bit stir crazy at home and really miss […]

Devi Sharma, Speaker of Winnipeg City Council, Councillor for Old Kildonan

Devi Sharma, Speaker of Winnipeg City Council, Councillor for Old Kildonan

I am pleased that Winnipeg’s second COVID-19 vaccine Super-Site is now open at 770 Leila Ave (Winnipeg Soccer Federation North). North Winnipeg was a high-risk area throughout this pandemic, so it’s all the more meaningful to see this Super-Site open in our neighbourhood. In early April, I took my parents to the RBC Convention Centre […]

Heather Lawless

Heather Lawless

When I got the vaccine, I was expecting an emotional experience. Instead, I felt something strange I hadn’t felt in a long time—optimism. I had a sense of calm and relief seeing how many people were getting vaccinated at the same time as me. Dealing with the pandemic has been exhausting. Of my four sons, […]

Claude Chancy, Street Supervisor, Auxiliary Force Cadets

Claude Chancy, Street Supervisor, Auxiliary Force Cadets

I booked my vaccine as soon as I was eligible. My vaccination day started with a highly anticipated drive from Winnipeg to Morden, Manitoba. I made the three-hour round-trip because it meant I could get vaccinated sooner. It was quick and efficient — I was in and out in 30 minutes. Getting vaccinated was at […]

Ralph Eichler, Minister of Economic Development and Training, MLA for Lakeside

Ralph Eichler, Minister of Economic Development and Jobs, MLA for Lakeside

On April 19 I received my first dose of the Pfizer vaccine. It was given to me by one of our healthcare-hero nurses at the RBC Convention Centre. I arrived for my five o clock appointment at four-forty-five. I was promptly attended to and directed where to go by the navigators on duty. There were […]

Wab Kinew, Leader of the Opposition, MLA for Fort Rouge

Wab Kinew, Leader of the Opposition, MLA for Fort Rouge

A heartfelt Miigwech to Dr. Marcia Anderson for honouring me with the vaccine at Ma Mawi’s new vaccine clinic. This past year we’ve all made sacrifices. Think of your kids’ last birthday party. Think of how long it’s been since you hugged someone you care about. Think of those we weren’t able to say goodbye […]

Gabriel Simard

Sergeant Gabriel Simard, Fisher Branch RCMP Detachment

I have to begin my COVID-19 vaccination story by recognizing and thanking the incredible people and healthcare teams of Peguis First Nation, Fisher River Cree Nation, Kinonjeoshtegon First Nation and the RM of Fisher; they have worked tirelessly and have done so much to keep their communities safe throughout the pandemic. In particular, I need […]

Loren Remillard

Loren Remillard, President & CEO, The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce

Throughout the pandemic, I’ve seen families juggle writing business reports from home while also doing book reports with their kids. Every day, I hear from business owners with stressed voices, struggling to maintain the health and well-being of their business and staff, while their own well-being suffers from the crushing weight. Like all Manitobans, I […]

Tony Pimentel, Mayor of Winnipeg Beach

Tony Pimentel, Mayor of Winnipeg Beach

I was vaccinated at a pharmacy in Winnipeg Beach, which seemed more convenient than driving to the Super-Site clinic in Selkirk. When I first called, all the doses were spoken for but I asked the pharmacist to call me if anyone cancelled an appointment, and I was able to get a shot of AstraZeneca pretty […]

Doug Chorney, Chief Commissioner, Canadian Grain Commission

Doug Chorney, Chief Commissioner, Canadian Grain Commission

When I was given my first dose of the Pfizer vaccine in my home community of Selkirk, I was in and out in less than 40 minutes. This brief moment out of my day will have a long-term impact, for which I’m truly grateful. I know the vaccine is the only way forward to protect […]

Rt. Reverend William Cliff, Bishop of Brandon

Rt. Reverend William Cliff, Bishop of Brandon

My work as Bishop of the Diocese of Brandon has always been about connecting with the people of the congregations I serve. That has proven to be extremely challenging since the beginning of the pandemic from both a community and personal perspective. Health protocols have evolved to a point where it really isn’t feasible for […]

Scott Fielding, Minister of Finance, MLA for Kirkfield Park

Scott Fielding, Minister of Finance, MLA for Kirkfield Park

Last week I was very happy to receive my first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine at the Academy Skin Centre. The immunization process was safe and efficient, and the staff was all extremely professional throughout the entire process. I strongly encourage all Manitobans to get their shots when eligible. Getting vaccinated plays a huge part […]

Jennifer Chen, School Trustee, Winnipeg School Division

Jennifer Chen, School Trustee, Winnipeg School Division

I am an immigrant and a mother of two young children. I plan to become vaccinated as soon as I’m eligible. I want to encourage my fellow newcomer friends and community members to take the COVID-19 vaccine to protect ourselves and the people around us. My parents wanted to be vaccinated when they learned online […]

The Honourable Janice C. Filmon, Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba and The Honourable Gary A. Filmon

We eagerly awaited the news that we were eligible to receive the vaccine, and booked our appointments the moment we heard! It is very important to us to ensure we do all we can to protect not only ourselves, but our fellow Manitobans as well. We are thankful to have received the vaccine. The extraordinary […]

Geraldine Shingoose, Knowledge Keeper, Tootinaowaziibeeng First Nation

Geraldine Shingoose’s spirit names are Sky Woman and Northern Lights Woman. She comes from the Bear Clan. She is a Sauteaux woman from Tootinaowaziibeeng First Nation in Manitoba. She has grown into a grandmother (and great-grandmother) of faith, belief and kindness, from the love of her family.  She is pleased to have received her COVID-19 […]

Perla Javate, President, Philippine Heritage Council of Manitoba

Perla Javate, President, Philippine Heritage Council of Manitoba

Three years ago, I retired from the Winnipeg School Division, where I was a community liaison officer for 35 years. But I like to keep myself busy. I volunteer as co-chair of the Ethnocultural Council of Manitoba, president of the Coalition of Filipino Canadians for Stronger Families Inc, and president of the Philippine Heritage Council […]

Dr. Leonard Minuk, Head of the Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, CancerCare Manitoba

Last week, the provincial government opened up the AstraZeneca vaccine eligibility to everyone over 40, so my wife became eligible. She asked my opinion about getting the vaccine in the context of the concerns regarding blood clots. Without hesitation, I told her to get to a pharmacy as fast as possible and get the shot. […]

Dr Chris Cottick

Chris Cottick, President, Manitoba Dental Association

I’ve been a dentist for 31 years. When a call came out from the province allowing dentists to be vaccinators, as president of the Manitoba Dental Association, I wanted to set an example, so I signed up. I went for training and then started working shifts as a vaccinator at the RBC Convention Centre in […]

Heather Stefanson, Minister of Health and Seniors Care, MLA for Tuxedo

Heather Stefanson, Minister of Health and Seniors Care, MLA for Tuxedo

On April 22 I was pleased to join over 300,000 other Manitobans who have received a COVID-19 vaccine. I booked appointments for my husband and I at Shoppers Drug Mart in Tuxedo Park Shopping Centre and received the AstraZeneca vaccine. I’m proud to see how our province has come together in the largest and most […]

Irvine Ferris, Mayor of Portage la Prairie

Irvine Ferris, Mayor of Portage la Prairie

I had my shot at a pop-up clinic at the Herman Prior Activity Centre in Portage la Prairie. The pop-up clinic was a godsend in our city, especially for seniors who couldn’t do the drive to Morden, Brandon or Winnipeg. As Mayor, I’ve been contacted by a few seniors who were worried about the drive—one […]

Maggie Yeboah, Social Worker/Community Outreach, Hope Centre Health Care

Maggie Yeboah, Community Outreach Worker, Hope Centre Health Care

I chose to be vaccinated because I want to show my love to everyone around me and have the chance to protect my family, my coworkers, my community, and my city. I’ve had both my shots of the COVID-19 vaccine. With the first vaccine, I did not feel anything. With the second, I was okay […]

Jake Thomas, Winnipeg Blue Bombers

Jake Thomas, Winnipeg Blue Bombers

#95 Defensive Tackle Jake is the longest-serving Blue Bomber, having first signed with the team in 2012 after being drafted in the fourth round, 29th overall, in the 2012 CFL Draft. Jake was the first player to hoist the Grey Cup during the celebration following the victory over Hamilton in 2019.

Jackson Jeffcoat, Winnipeg Blue Bombers

Jackson Jeffcoat, Winnipeg Blue Bombers

#94 Defensive End Born in Dallas, Texas, Jackson has been with the Bombers since 2017. He won the 107th Grey Cup with the team in 2019, a game in which he recorded 4 tackles, 2 sacks and forced a fumble.

Stefan Cebara, Winnipeg Blue Bombers

Stefan Cebara, Valour FC

Cebara returns to Valour FC after signing with the club on March 6, 2020… During The Island Games in 2020, Cebara made seven appearances for Valour FC, totalling 540 minutes, tallying one assist and drawing one penalty. He suited up with Vojvodina Novi Sad in Serbia in 2017-18. A potential contract deal fell through for […]

Austin Ricci, Valour FC

Ricci returns to Valour FC after signing with the club on July 10, 2020… During The Island Games in 2020, Ricci made six appearances with the club, totalling 365 minutes played and drawing two penalties… Before joining Valour FC, Ricci spent the inaugural Canadian Premier League season with York9, making nine appearances, totalling 199 minutes […]

Rochelle Squires, MLA for Riel

Rochelle Squires, MLA for Riel

I am pleased to say that on Tuesday night I had the opportunity to receive the AstraZeneca vaccine along with my husband Daniel at my local pharmacy.  I want to start by thanking local pharmacists, staff, volunteers and every other Manitoban that has stepped up to deliver the vaccine. My experience was quick, safe and […]

Ravinder

Ravinder Garcha, Health Care Admin

I work at CancerCare Manitoba. Since I’m in contact with vulnerable people every day, I was eligible for the vaccine fairly early. I received my first shot in February and my second in March. I was very happy that I was able to get the vaccine and I was really looking forward to it leading […]

Tiffany Kautz, Director of Quality, Patient Safety, Policies and Guidelines, CancerCare Manitoba

Tiffany Kautz, Director of Quality, Patient Safety, Policies and Guidelines, CancerCare Manitoba

From the moment I knew I was eligible for the vaccine I was eager to book my appointment. I felt very comfortable with the idea and really didn’t have any anxiety about it at all. Being a nurse, the current position I am in and where I work have a lot to do with that. […]

Diljot Garcha, U of M Student

Diljot Garcha, U of M Student

One of the hardest things about COVID-19 for me has been how suddenly everything changed. I’m 22 years old and about to graduate from Computer Science at the University of Manitoba. Last year when it all began, I remember I was with my friends in a study room on March 13, 2020, and we had […]

Dennis Beyak, Hockey Broadcaster

Dennis Beyak, Hockey Broadcaster

From both a personal and work perspective, my life has always revolved around making connections with people, so the last year has been difficult in that way because we just don’t have that right now.  With that in mind, my wife and I registered at ProtectMB.ca for our COVID-19 vaccine early on so we could […]

Loryn Evans

Loryn Muswagon, Youth Addictions Counsellor, Neecheewam

Getting the vaccine to me means I can return to my home community. I was born and raised in Pimicikamak Cree Nation. I come from a large family of 14 siblings, and 26 nieces and nephews. I grew up in a house that was always full. In that chaos there was always space for love, […]

Ace Burpee with Bally

Ace Burpee, Host, 103.1 Virgin Radio

There are those who have coped fairly well through the past year. Their mental health is ok, they’re safe, their income hasn’t been affected, and they’ve managed to stay connected to friends and family.   For countless others though, this is not the case. Anxiety, uncertainty, loneliness, fear, despair and stress have had a huge impact […]

Queenie Trinidad, LPN, St. Amant Centre

Queenie Trinidad, LPN, St. Amant Centre

For me, getting the vaccine means gaining a sense of freedom and feeling less stress about contracting the virus. Mentally, I know that having the vaccine means I’m more protected now from COVID. Getting immunized is one more step toward getting things back to normal. I’ve been impacted at my work by COVID, because my […]

Marlon Bruan, Rec. Instructor II, St. Amant Centre

Marlon Bruan, Rec. Instructor II, St. Amant Centre

Getting the COVID vaccine means we’re immune from COVID and that we’re helping to protect everyone. Being immunized means that when I go out to places like grocery stores, I’m not as afraid of getting the virus.  I’ve been impacted at work by COVID-19 by not being able to take my clients at St. Amant […]

Pam Dussome, Inclusion Support Facilitator, St. Amant Centre

Pam Dussome, Inclusion Support Facilitator, St. Amant Centre

For me, getting the vaccine means that we still have to be cautious, but it will allow us to socialize and not be hesitant about being around other people. You probably won’t be spreading the virus and it would be harder for you to contract the virus as well. With the immunization, we will have […]

Brian Pallister, Premier of Manitoba

Brian Pallister, Premier of Manitoba

This morning I received my first dose of the Pfizer vaccine, administered by Dr. Brent Roussin, Manitoba’s chief provincial public health officer at Winnipeg’s immunization Super-Site, located in the RBC Convention Centre. 

Nahanni Fontaine, MLA for St. Johns

Nahanni Fontaine, MLA for St. Johns

As an Indigenous woman, I have a sacred responsibility to do my part to protect all Manitobans; more specifically the most vulnerable in this pandemic. As a Member of the Manitoba Legislative Assembly, I have a double responsibility to show and highlight the need for certain activities. Getting the COVID-19 vaccine is one of them. […]

Grand Chief Garrison Settee, Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO)

Grand Chief Garrison Settee, Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO)

I am extremely pleased to have received my first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. As the Grand Chief of Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO), I chose to receive my COVID-19 vaccine because I want to be a role model for the First Nations I represent. I want to help protect both myself as well as my […]

Tom, St. Amant Resident

Tom, St. Amant Resident

Tom, a resident at St. Amant, recently got his COVID-19 vaccine and shared that he is looking forward to being able to leave the building again and go on outings, and maybe even have a vacation!  Tom hopes everyone will stay healthy and safe. He also said the needle didn’t hurt, and he felt fine […]

Joni Wilson, Director, Pandemic Response, Keewatinohk Inniniw Minoayawin

Joni Wilson, Director, Pandemic Response, Keewatinohk Inniniw Minoayawin

As the Director of Pandemic Response for Keewatinohk Inniniw Minoayawin Inc. (KIM), I’ve worked in partnership with Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) to support northern First Nations throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Marielle Gagne, Recreation Instructor, St. Amant Centre

Marielle Gagne, Recreation Instructor, St. Amant Centre

For me, getting the vaccine shot means relief, that life can return to semi-normal. I feel confident that I won’t be passing COVID on to others or getting it as our chances of being infected will be lower. With immunization, we’ll have more freedom to return to normal life sooner.  COVID-19 has impacted my work […]

Ruth & Her Mom Susan

Ruth & Her Mom Susan

Ruth Joseph misses hanging out with her boyfriend and friends at her Winnipeg condo, where the 35-year-old likes to play board games and card games. “I like Monopoly Deal: it’s quicker than the actual board game.” She also misses going to the gym and hanging out at her favourite coffee shop. COVID halted Ruth’s volunteer […]

Michael Schumann, Supervisor of Environmental Services, St. Amant Centre

Michael Schumann, Supervisor of Environmental Services, St. Amant Centre

Getting the vaccine means a lot to me. It means keeping my family, the people we support at St. Amant, co-workers, friends and myself, safe! This is the first step for all of us to get back to some kind of normal routine. Getting immunized will hopefully allow me to socialize more with family, friends […]

Grand Chief Arlan Dumas

Grand Chief Arlen Dumas, Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs

Grand Chief Arlen Dumas, Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs gets his first COVID19 vaccination from Dr. Marcia Anderson, Public Health Lead, First Nation Pandemic Response Coordination Team.

Dr. Joss Reimer, Medical Lead of Manitoba’s Vaccine Implementation Task Force

Dr. Joss Reimer, Medical Lead of Manitoba’s Vaccine Implementation Task Force

Dr Joss Reimer, MD MPH FRCPC, is the Medical Director of Public Health for the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority and Medical Lead for the Vaccine Implementation Taskforce. She is also an assistant professor in the Departments of Community Health Sciences and Family Medicine at the University of Manitoba where she is the Director of Population […]

Dr. Marcia Anderson, Health Lead for Manitoba’s First Nations Pandemic Coordination Team

Dr. Marcia Anderson, Health Lead for Manitoba’s First Nations Pandemic Coordination Team

It’s extremely personally rewarding after a very difficult 10-11 months to be able to sit with some knowledge keepers and healers, offer them the vaccine, and pray together. I think it’s a real landmark, hopefully a turning point for where we’re at in the pandemic. And it was a good opportunity for me to pause […]

Jordan Miller, Cre*ery Art Gallery Owner

Jordan Miller, Cre8ery Art Gallery Owner

l learned of COVID in early March 2020 when an artist cancelled her show opening reception where we’d normally have 50 to 100 people at cre8ery, a gallery I own in Winnipeg. I worried that if one person wasn’t well, it could infect more people. Even before the public health order in March 2020, I […]

RBC Convention Centre Immunization Supersite

Joan Reenders, Immunizer, Retired Nurse

During my nursing career at Health Sciences Centre I have seen a number of local viral epidemics, from the frightening Respiratory Syncytial Virus affecting premature babies to the H1N1 scare in 2009 while working in Diagnostic Imaging. I saw first-hand how a contagious virus can quickly overwhelm a hospital, severely affecting even patients my own […]

Linda Wilton sitting and smiling in her home

Linda Wilton, Immunizer, Retired Registered Nurse

I’ve had a really interesting career, and it has felt really great to be back caring for people, providing immunizations at the RBC Convention Centre.  I was a nurse for 45 years. I started off working in the ER at St. Boniface Hospital. I taught nursing in Prince George, and Red Deer, but eventually returned […]

Jessi Bittner, Paramedic

Jessi Bittner, Immunizer, Paramedic

There isn’t a single person out there who’s life hasn’t been affected by COVID. Me personally, I had COVID back in November. Luckily I was symptom free, but it goes to show that even someone who is 23, healthy and complies to all social distancing and mask wearing rules can’t escape this virus. I had […]

Lin, retired nurse - two headshots, one normal and one with PPE

Lin, Immunizer, Retired Nurse

When the pandemic suddenly became a reality for Manitobans in March of 2020, I was in Mexico, blissfully unaware of the impending shutdown of life as we knew it. I was fortunate to get back into Canada prior to flights being cancelled worldwide, and then proceeded to self-isolate for two weeks to ensure I wasn’t […]

No Results found.

Be Informed

Protecting our community works best when we all do our part.