Winnipeg, MB on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis – Starting today, 40 RRC Polytech grads are being highlighted in Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech)’s Polytechnic Proud campaign. The campaign aims to represent diversity across programs, industries, and generations and includes a series of billboards and feature stories. Each featured graduate was nominated by their workplace.  

“The partnerships we have with industry are so valuable to the work we do here at RRC Polytech, and we are thrilled that so many nominated their talented employees – our proud alumni – for this campaign,” says Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech. “The diversity represented in Polytechnic Proud is a testament to the quality of work that our grads are doing and the wide variety of career paths that a polytechnic education prepares them for.” 

The recent and seasoned grads featured are CEOs, directors, entrepreneurs, engineers, account managers, nurses, horticulturists, teachers, chefs, and many more from a variety of industries. The first feature story being released tomorrow as part of the campaign is Amanda Buhse of Coal and Canary Candle Company who started her business in 2014 and has since had products sold across the world and featured at The Oscars and The Grammys. 

“RRC Polytech provided me with an environment where ideas weren’t just encouraged, they were also celebrated,” says Amanda Buhse, Founder of Coal and Canary Candle Company and a 2006 graduate of RRC Polytech’s Advanced Graphic Design Program (now the Communication Design program). “My experience at RRC Polytech really was a catalyst for my success today in so many ways. It was honestly one of the best times of my life – both fun and challenging and prepared me for where I am today.”  

Over the next eight weeks, dozens of billboards will be visible in Winnipeg, Portage la Prairie, and Selkirk, along with print and online versions across Manitoba. Profiles for more than half of these grads, including Amanda, will also be published on RRC Polytech’s Alumni News page and shared with the wider RRC Polytech community throughout the year – including over 80,000 RRC Polytech graduates in Manitoba and around the world.   

More about Polytechnic Proud: Polytechnic Proud Campaign : Red River College Polytechnic: Alumni Engagement (rrc.ca) 

Winnipeg, Manitoba – Shoal Lake 40 First Nation students will be launching a new line of merchandise on World Water Day, March 22, 2024, at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.

Students developed a business with their teacher, Andrea Redsky, and have designed and created water bottles and stickers to hang in every home, business, and institution in Manitoba and where Shoal Lake 40 First Nation water flows, as a part of the Kekekoziibii Development Corporation and Harvey Redsky Memorial School Future Business Leaders Project. The students will use this platform to educate Winnipeggers on where their water comes from with 100% of product purchases will go towards Harvey Redsky Memorial School Future Business Leaders Project in 2025. A  number of local Winnipeg businesses and organizations have already partnered with the students to display the merchandise at their offices and throughout their buildings including RRC Polytech, Ernst and Hansch, Business Council of Manitoba, Canadian Mental Health Association, Strong Front Tv, and more! 

“RRC Polytech is committed to addressing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action, recognizing the past wrongs and harms done through the education system, and working to build a path forward that creates equitable opportunities for all learners. Through this shared commitment, we have partnered with Shoal Lake 40 First Nation to foster greater awareness of where our clean drinking water on campus comes from and encourage students, staff and visitors to embody truth and reconciliation in their personal and professional lives.”

-Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech

Partners are: National Reconciliation Program (NRP) at Save the Children Canada, Martin Family Initiative, Dreamcatcher Promotions and Shoal Lake 40 First Nation.

What: Press conference to launch Shoal Lake 40 First Nation Merchandise 
Who: Shoal Lake 40 First Nation Students
When: World Water Day – 11:00am, Friday, March 22, 2024
Where: The Canadian Museum for Human Rights – Garden of Contemplation

“Future Business Leaders project is Shoal Lake 40 First Nation’s commitment to investing in our future generations while raising important awareness of the sacrifices our community has made so people in Winnipeg can enjoy the water that flows through Shoal Lake 40 First Nation to their taps. Our youth are teaching all of us about how to achieve economic reconciliation and we are grateful to our partners for their support.” says Chief Redsky.

It was the building of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights that helped create the large campaign that resulted in constructing Freedom Road so now Shoal Lake 40 First Nation members can enter and exit their community safely. Shoal Lake 40 First Nation and The Canadian Museum for Human rights hold a special relationship with each other, and the community is proud and excited to launch the Shoal Lake 40 First Nation Future Business Leaders project at the museum. 

In 1919, the aqueduct to carry clean lake water directly to Winnipeg through Shoal Lake 40 First Nation was finished. The original Ojibwa village was displaced and moved to a man-made island. A parcel of the band’s traditional land, 3,000 acres, became City of Winnipeg property and split the reserve into three separate parcels. People moved from the old village to a nearby peninsula then Winnipeg dug a diversion canal through the neck of the peninsula, effectively creating an island and isolating the community. Despite Winnipeg using the water that flows through Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, the reserve itself had a 24-year boil water advisory that only ended in 2021 and was the 2^nd longest in Canada. 

The students at Harvey Redsky Memorial School are eager to share this knowledge and the knowledge of Shoal Lake 40 First Nation with Winnipegers, to educate them on how and why they have clean drinking water and our shared history and sacred responsibility to water, environmental stewardship and building a community and generation of water educators and protectors. 

“The students in grade 6-8 at Harvey Redsky Memorial School initially endeavoured to raise funds to go on a year end field trip. However, once they learned that they could have a lasting impact on youth in our community by raising funds to provide a sustainable way to support youth entrepreneurs and skill development, and educate Winnipegers about where they get their drinking water from, they jumped on board. They started by selling water bottles and stickers with a QR code that takes people to our Website. Here they learn about our journey toward getting a road and water treatment plant. Next we sold tumblers and a sticker that says “The water from this tap comes from Shoal Lake #40” on a blue water drop and also contains our QR code. We are entering the next phase with the sale of our next generation water bottle and a partnership with DreamCatcher Promotions.” -Says Andrea Redsky

The students decided to launch their Future Business Leaders Project on World Water Day 2024, to show the significance of their water history, and to help raise awareness and funds for the students who live in Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, who are still directly impacted by the water history. To support and purchase merchandise, please visit https://shoallake40.myshopify.com/. 

For immediate release: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 

Winnipeg, MB on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis – Manitoba high school students will demonstrate their skills today in innovative industry-related challenges at Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech)’s Applied Commerce Education (ACE) Commerce Competition. The event runs today, March 19, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Notre Dame Campus. 

210 high school students from 18 schools will be taking part in the competition. A portion of the event will also be led by RRC Polytech students in the Teacher Education program. 

“The purpose of this event is two-fold: it engages the students in our Teacher Education program to have real-world experience in an active environment while allowing high school students enrolled in elective courses to showcase their talent and ambition,” says Daryl McRae, Chair of Teacher Education, RRC Polytech. “The College is thrilled to bring these two elements together in a concrete example of bringing skills learned in the classroom and applying them in real-world experiences.” 

The four competitions, starting between 9:00 and 9:30 a.m., focus on skills in accounting, retail design and operation, social responsibility and leadership strategy in business. The competition includes awards and allows participating students to network with industry professionals throughout the day and hear from industry leaders. 

“Both the Teacher Education students and high school students are becoming stewards of local and global economies,” says Dr. Christine Watson, Vice President, Academic, RRC Polytech. “Seeing the culmination of their hard work in their respective programs today is a testament RRC Polytech’s support of Manitoba’s economic growth through business education.” 

Practical learning opportunities in the Teacher Education program help students to develop technical knowledge and teaching skills aligning with Manitoba’s high school curriculum and become certified as a K-12 teacher with the Province of Manitoba. The program offers five-year and three-year options to complete a degree, or a one-year accelerated option to receive a diploma.  

More information about the event: Second Annual Applied Commerce Education High School Competition 

More information about the Teacher Education Program: Applied Commerce Education  

Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) is welcoming more than 3,000 prospective students to the Notre Dame and Exchange District Campuses today for Open Doors, its signature open house event.

“Open Doors is a fantastic opportunity to welcome prospective students on campus and showcase how a polytechnic education can quite literally open doors for their future,” says Dr. Christine Watson, Vice President, Academic, RRC Polytech. “The world of work is ever-changing. To meet the evolving workforce needs, RRC Polytech is transforming its learning model and providing the applied knowledge and experiential training that prepares students for the future of work.”

RRC Polytech is hosting 14 program-specific tours at the Notre Dame Campus and four at the Exchange District Campus, giving prospective students an inside glimpse at the College’s learning facilities and equipment. The Open Doors’ Exhibition Hall at the Notre Dame Campus features information booths where attendees can connect one-on-one with staff and instructors to learn more about RRC Polytech programs, campuses and supports.

In addition to full- and part-time programs, RRC Polytech offers flexible learning opportunities through its suite of micro-credentials. Perfect for learners looking to change careers, upskill or reskill, micro-credentials offer a fast-track to in-demand industry training.

With the opening of the Price Institute of Advanced Manufacturing and Mechatronics, developed in direct collaboration with industry partners, RRC Polytech is now offering micro-credentials through this institute, geared at upskilling and reskilling existing workforces in manufacturing technologies and processes. There will be a new tour at the Notre Dame Campus showcasing Price Institute facilities, including the Smart Factory, a hub for Industry 4.0 learning.

“It’s so important to create exposure to RRC Polytech early on, which is why our Recruitment team goes out into the community to meet prospective students where they’re at. Open Doors is the next touchpoint where we’re welcoming students to our campuses to experience firsthand what it would be like to attend RRC Polytech,” says Lyndsay Lambert, Student Recruitment Officer at RRC Polytech. “It’s an opportunity for future students to meet with academic advisors and current students to ask any questions they may have, helping guide their chosen education path.”

Along with campus tours, info booths, and on-site academic advising, attendees have access to funding advising, application support, and can enter for a chance to start their polytechnic education with a $5000 bursary towards their program of choice.  

Open Doors, RRC Polytech’s open house will take place today, Wednesday, February 21, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Notre Dame and Exchange District Campuses. For more information, please visit rrc.ca/opendoors.

The new Peer Support program will provide critical well-being and mental health support for students at the College’s eight Manitoba campuses.

After identifying a gap in student wellness and mental health support on campus, in 2021, RRC Polytech engaged students in the co-design of an innovative Peer Support program, thanks to a Bell Let’s Talk Post-Secondary Fund Kickoff Grant. And today, Bell Let’s Talk has invested an additional $100,000 to get this critical program off the ground, enabling RRC Polytech to expand our student well-being supports.

While RRC Polytech provides a vast selection of well-being programming, including sport and fitness, mental wellness, counselling services and recreation activities, through surveying students and developing the Healthy Minds Healthy College Strategy, the College recognized the growing need to provide peer support to promote student well-being.

Greater awareness about and access to well-being resources and supports across our campuses is a top priority because maintaining good mental health helps students develop stress management skills, build positive relationships, achieve academic success, and can even boost physical health.

“The goal of RRC Polytech’s Healthy Minds Healthy College Strategy is to enhance belonging, connection and well-being, so students can thrive in their educational journeys and lives. Thanks to the Bell Let’s Talk Post-Secondary Fund, we will be launching an innovative Peer Support program for students, co-designed by students. The program aligns with our mental health strategy, which includes reducing stigma and barriers to seeking support as well as promoting a proactive approach to stress reduction and wellness, rather than waiting until crisis hits,” said Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech.

The Peer Support program is a collaborative effort between the College’s Campus Well-Being area and the RRC Polytech Students’ Association, who thanks to the investment from the Bell, will be able to work with expert partners to develop the necessary program policies, recruit and select suitable students, train peer supporters, and launch, promote, and evaluate the program.

The program will see a diverse group of students trained to provide support for their peers. Peer Supporters will learn best practices to ensure they can provide critical mental health support to their peers, while also practicing good self-care, and receiving support for their own well-being.

Through training a diverse pool of peer supporters, it increases the likelihood that a student in need of support will connect with another student with whom they can relate. Building a trusted, supportive relationship with a peer supporter is key in reducing stigma around discussing mental health and creating greater student awareness of resources available on and off campus.

To ensure the sustainability of the Peer Support program, the RRC Polytech Students’ Association will be providing funding to the amount of $50,000 per year, over the next three years, for a total commitment of $150,000. The funding will go towards all elements of running, evaluating and promoting the program, as well as providing honourariums for Peer Supporters.

“Bell Let’s Talk is proud to support our eight new community partners in Manitoba that are connecting youth and adults living with mental health challenges with the critical support they need, when and where they need it. Bell Let’s Talk continues to support organizations like these across the country and we look forward to kicking off another year of action and real change for mental health with Bell Let’s Talk Day on January 24,” said Mary Deacon, Chair, Bell Let’s Talk.

RRC Polytech is one of the eight organizations receiving funding as part of Bell’s investment in mental health in Manitoba. Bell’s investment in mental health extends to initiatives with Sagkeeng Child and Family Services, Newcomers Employment & Education Development Services (N.E.E.D.S.) Inc., Child and Family all Nations Coordinated Response Network, Candace House, Bruce Oake Recovery Centre, Kidthink Children’s Mental Health Centre and Steinbach Community Outreach. Read Bell’s release, here.

Currently, RRC Polytech, Campus Well-Being and the RRC Polytech Students’ Association are working with expert partners to get the Peer Support program ready for an anticipated launch date in early 2025. For more information about Campus Well-Being at RRC Polytech, visit rrc.ca/well-being.

The College’s Prairie Research Kitchen is now home to an innovative Terrace Pro hydroponic growing system that promotes sustainability and offers solutions to offset rising grocery costs for businesses and individual consumers.      

Winnipeg, Manitoba, on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis Nation – After working together with RRC Polytech to develop the Terrace Pro, an innovative hydroponic growing system, Les Verts Living is extending the partnership by providing a commercial Terrace Pro unit to the College’s Prairie Research Kitchen (PRK) – to promote further study of indoor gardening and to supply Culinary Arts students with access to fresh, gourmet produce while they pursue their education.

“RRC Polytech helped us convert our vision of sustainable produce into a reality, and today our soil-free, pesticide-free and stress-free Terrace Pro system empowers anyone anywhere to grow fresh, quality greens for their family, friends and local communities year-round with minimal effort and no prior growing experience,” says Andrew Vickerson, CEO of Les Verts Living.

“We are thrilled to continue this partnership and offer their students and researchers an opportunity to further explore indoor hydroponic gardening by providing Manitoba’s up-and-coming culinary minds with the highest quality produce to create their next showstopping dishes.”

What sets the Terrace Pro apart is its impressive production capacity, exceptional quality produce, ease of use, and significant savings opportunities. The professional-grade equipment and nutrient regimes surpass the freshness and nutritional value of other indoor systems and what is typically found in grocery stores and promises a significant return on investment through reduced food waste and produce expenses.

“Through our technology, facilities and expertise, the College is uniquely positioned to bring these types of project ideas to life for our industry partners while training the workforce of tomorrow,” says Fred Meier, President and CEO of RRC Polytech.

“This project demonstrates the power of partnership and the value of applied research in propelling our province’s economy forward, and today, we can quite literally see and taste the success of this project while sharing the benefits with our community.” 

The relationship began almost six years ago when locally based entrepreneurs from Les Verts approached RRC Polytech’s Prairie Research Kitchen to confirm chefs’ interest in the product and then were referred to the Technology Access Centre for Aerospace and Manufacturing (TACAM) for help with the electrical and mechanical components of their original design. The TACAM team worked with Les Verts staff to refine the unit’s unique combination of necessary pumps, motors, fans, and lights while addressing tank orientation for optimum watering and drainage. Eventually they even created a control panel/interface to integrate all the systems together. The Building Efficiency Technology Access Centre (BETAC) was also consulted to analyze any humidity level changes caused by the system.

Now, the easy-to-use product is on the market encouraging even the greenest of gardeners to grow an abundance of the freshest, top-quality living produce available while saving money on their food expenses – and the partnership continues to evolve with PRK’s research team studying further development options through a follow-up project.   

“Rising food costs have increased the demand for locally grown, sustainable produce so offering chefs of all levels the ability to grow their own greens and herbs year-round has enormous appeal,” says Mavis McRae, Director of the Prairie Research Kitchen Technology Access Centre. “We’re excited to test the benefits of the Terrace Pro unit in a restaurant setting and continue studying how we can optimize this technology while working with our partners at Les Verts to develop future products for commercial and home growers.”   

To celebrate this successful collaboration and inspire a more sustainable food future, Les Verts Living and RRC Polytech hosted a media tasting event at Jane’s Restaurant located in the Paterson GlobalFoods Institute. The teams involved joined industry, academic and community leaders for a small sampling of the delicious living lettuce, fragrant herbs and hyper-nutritious microgreens and baby greens produced in the Terrace Pro before touring the PRK, Manitoba’s only Technology Access Centre that blends food science and culinary arts. 

Let’s get digital! rrc.ca/dtti

Last week, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Council of Canada (NSERC) announced a $3,250,000 Mobilize grant to fund Red River College Polytechnic’s new Digital Technology Transformation Initiative (DTTI). The funding comes as part of a larger investment from NSERC to support applied research projects at colleges across Canada that are designed to address local challenges.

The DTTI will build applied research capacity to support Manitoba as it moves towards digital transformation, while achieving net-zero goals in the leading sectors of advanced manufacturing and climate/clean tech.

“This funding empowers RRC Polytech, through the DTTI, to strengthen our position as a vital resource in Manitoba’s innovation ecosystem, regional socioeconomic system, and provincial economy now and into the future,” says Jamie Wilson, Vice President, Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development at RRC Polytech. “The establishment of the DTTI is not only a great benefit to the College and our partners, but it goes a long way in supporting RRC Polytech as we strive to meet our strategic commitments – particularly deepening partnerships to maximize prosperity across industry and community.”

The DTTI aims to rapidly accelerate digitally-focused applied research expertise at RRC Polytech, so the College can continue to address industry’s most critical needs in the areas of advanced digital manufacturing (ADM) and climate/clean tech, while laying the groundwork for deepening collaborations with current and prospective partners in these areas. The DTTI will also provide invaluable experiential learning opportunities for students while facilitating a talent pipeline of diverse innovators to power the workforce of tomorrow.

“The DTTI is designed to alleviate some of the common challenges faced by the advanced manufacturing and climate and clean tech sectors, such as the increased pressure on businesses to engage in digital innovation, adoption, and net-zero strategies,” says Wilson.

“While RRC Polytech has existing and substantial infrastructure and expertise, this funding provides the additional human resource capacity and project funds necessary to establish a broad range of interdisciplinary applied research partnerships in the digital technology transformation space.”

RRC Polytech’s research enterprise, Research Partnerships & Innovation, has been a crucial player in the Canadian applied research scene for 20 years. The Mobilize funding comes on the heels of RRC Polytech’s recent 14^th place ranking in Re$earch Infosource’s annual list of Canada’s top 50 research colleges.

For more information, visit rrc.ca/dtti.

Winnipeg, Manitoba on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis Nation – Today, Red River College Polytechnic’s Board of Governors (BOG) announced the unanimous decision to extend the contract of President and CEO, Fred Meier, until July 2028. 
 
“President Meier has surpassed the Board’s expectations in all he has accomplished since joining RRC Polytech. Extending his contract today ensures we will continue to build for the future with his strong, visionary leadership in place. We share our complete confidence in Mr. Meier’s ability to lead RRC Polytech forward as it strives to meet and exceed the needs of students, staff, as well as our partners in industry and the community,” said Loren Cisyk, Chair, RRC Polytech Board of Governors. 

Since joining RRC Polytech in July 2020, President Meier has been integral in charting a bold new path for the College. This includes rebranding the College to RRC Polytech – embracing RRC’s identity as “Manitoba’s polytechnic,” and creating RRC Polytech’s Strategic Plan 2022-2026 In Front of What’s Ahead.  

This ambitious plan commits RRC Polytech to transform its learning models to amplify its impact across Manitoba and cements the College’s commitment towards Truth and Reconciliation and the pursuit of equity, diversity and inclusion in everything it does, and focuses its efforts on deepening partnerships to maximize prosperity across industry and community. 
 
Through President Meier’s leadership, RRC Polytech has taken many necessary and meaningful steps towards advancing the goals of the 2022-2026 strategic plan, including a 98 per cent completion rate of RRC Polytech’s Comprehensive Campaign In Front of What’s Ahead. 

Thanks to the support of generous donors and industry partners, these gifts are making a direct impact for today’s learners and will allow the College to create more supports and programs to help future students achieve success – from new and increased scholarships and bursaries, the donation of computers, and a new mentorship program for Indigenous learners supported by Canada Life, to the opening of the Centre for Newcomer Integration supported by BMO and the Price Institute of Advanced Manufacturing and Mechatronics.

RRC Polytech has also taken meaningful and intentional steps towards its collective commitment towards Truth and Reconciliation including the establishment of the Knowledge Keepers’ Council, the creation of more Indigenous student pathway programs, and increased industry partnerships to support Indigenous learners across Manitoba. 

“Every day, I am inspired by the work we do and the people who lead it,” said Fred Meier, President and CEO of RRC Polytech. “I look forward to leading our institution forward and continuing to work together to build an even stronger and more successful Manitoba.”

“I am humbled and incredibly honoured for this opportunity to continue to serve as President and CEO of RRC Polytech,” added Meier. “And above all else, I am thankful. RRC Polytech is a partnership-driven enterprise at every single level. I thank our staff, faculty, and students – with whom I’ve had the pleasure to work since I joined the College – for their continued support and commitment to embrace the direction and path we are on. I thank the Board of Governors for their confidence in my leadership. And I thank our industry, community, and donor partners for their continued trust, support, and investment in our students and in the College.”

Ranked 14^th nationwide, completed applied research projects at the College have increased by one third over the previous year  

Winnipeg, Manitoba, on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis Nation – Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) is once again a top research institution in the country, earning the 14th place position in Re$earch Infosource’s annual ranking of the country’s top 50 research colleges, released earlier today.

“RRC Polytech makes innovation possible for our partners in industry and community – and every successful project builds trust in our technology, facilities and expertise,” said Jamie Wilson, Vice President, Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development at RRC Polytech.

“Today’s rankings reflect the College’s growing reputation for consistency and productivity that is driven by the work of our Research, Partnerships and Innovation enterprise and at our three Technology Access Centres. They also reinforce that our approach of strengthening relationships with partners and funders across all sectors, driving alignment between stakeholders, and valuing sustainability is accelerating applied research innovation here in Manitoba.”

RRC Polytech completed 170 applied research projects in the 2022 fiscal year – almost 60 more than the previous year – ranking it third in the Medium Tier category and fourth nationwide while posting a total of 117 research partnerships. By maintaining its average of 7.4 million dollars for a second consecutive year, Manitoba’s polytechnic also remains on par with the per-college provincial average of sponsored research income in Alberta and only slightly behind Ontario.

As an added feature to its annual publication, Canada’s Innovation Leaders 2023, Re$earch Infosource also shines a spotlight on college-industry research income as measured by grants, contracts or contributions received from industry sources over the past five years, where RRC Polytech again showed a remarkably consistent annual average of just over 7-million dollars from 2018-2022.

Applied research examples at RRC Polytech include a current partnership between the Technology Access Centre for Aerospace and Manufacturing (TACAM) and StandardAero, who are collaborating to test and validate that cold spray technology could be effectively implemented for repairing aircraft components.

The College’s Vehicle Technology & Energy Centre (VTEC) continues to facilitate the shift to electrification and zero-emission fuel sources with projects aimed at expanding workplace charging capabilities; partnering with Seven Oaks School Division, Noble Northern and the Canadian Shield Foundation to develop a diesel-to-electric conversion kit for school buses; and even building on the success of completed projects by repurposing batteries from Winnipeg Transit electric bus trials in storage systems on fast chargers also created on campus.

The most comprehensive example is From Lab to Table, a Culinary Research Review in the form of a cookbook that shares the delicious outcomes of the applied research conducted at the Prairie Research Kitchen (PRK) since 2014, while documenting the history of Manitoba’s only Technology Access Centre that blends food science and culinary arts.  From discovering and developing novel uses for pulse and soybean products to upcycling food industry by-products and even embracing insects for protein, this unique cookbook is available at researchrecipes.ca.

“Celebrating the variety of products, techniques and technology that our researchers, staff and students have worked together with our partners to develop is as important as the volume of projects completed,” said Wilson. “Because regardless of the size or scope of the project, from entrepreneurs in search of support to launch and grow their business idea to established enterprises seeking advancements to propel them into the future, we want everyone to know that in addition to training the workforce of tomorrow, RRC Polytech is also here to provide innovative solutions that elevate all Manitobans.”

For more information, visit rrc.ca/research.

Founders of the Schroeder Foundation awarded Outstanding Philanthropist at 2023 AFP Awards

Winnipeg, Manitoba, on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis Nation – Today is National Philanthropy Day, and longtime Red River College Polytechnic supporters Walter and Maria Schroeder of the Schroeder Foundation are being recognized for their years of supporting organizations, institutions, and individuals in Manitoba and throughout Canada with the 2023 Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Manitoba Outstanding Philanthropist Award.

RRC Polytech and the University of Manitoba co-nominated the duo in recognition of their dedication to Winnipeg youth.

“Walter and Maria Schroeder’s work has truly been transformative, and today RRC Polytech is so proud to celebrate their contributions with our community as Manitoba’s 2023 Outstanding Philanthropists,” said Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech.

“The Schroeder Foundation has awarded hundreds of full post-secondary scholarships to institutions in Winnipeg – including more than 180 to RRC Polytech – which includes tuition, books, and wrap-around supports. The Schroeder Foundation students now also have the opportunity to participate in the Transition to College program, which helps them start their programs with the knowledge and confidence they need to succeed on day one.”

The Schroeder Foundation donates millions of dollars to organizations every year, with a focus on improving healthcare, providing economic education, and empowering youth and Indigenous communities across the country. The Foundation currently invests more than three million dollars annually in Winnipeg alone.

“Supporting Red River College Polytechnic has always been important to us, because of the many useful trades and related activities they provide for students,” said Walter Schroeder. “It’s an ideal institution for people to pursue one of the most important things they can do in life, which is to use education as a means of overcoming financial barriers. RRC Polytech is a top-notch institution that is ideally suited to do this, which is one of the reasons we chose it in our endeavours to provide scholarships and bursaries.”

RRC Polytech has previously honoured Walter and Maria Schroeder with an Honorary Bachelor of Education degree in October 2022, in recognition of their dedication to removing barriers to education for Manitoba youth.

“Partnerships and donor support are key to our success at RRC Polytech,” continued Meier. “Walter and Maria Schroeder are the embodiment of this support, as they see the value in investing today to create a better and brighter tomorrow – for students and our community.”

The Schroeders received their award this afternoon at the Manitoba Philanthropy Awards, a National Philanthropy Day celebration recognizing outstanding charitable work throughout the province.

Read the Donor Spotlight on Walter and Maria Schroeder and watch the student testimonial video here.