RRC Polytech staff, student, and alumni artisans offer local holiday goods
In past years, Red River College Polytechnic’s Sustainability team and Alumni Engagement have hosted a daylong Winter Market featuring products made by staff, student, and alumni artisans to celebrate the holiday season and encourage buying local.
Since campuses are not yet fully open to the public, RRC Polytech has once again created an online directory of makers in place of an in-person market experience.
“The College’s alumni community is a diverse network of creators, entrepreneurs, and innovators. Following a challenging holiday season last year, we want to do our part to elevate these local businesses and encourage our community to shop local,” says Katrina Sklepowich, RRC Polytech’s Alumni Engagement Officer.
“We’ll be highlighting a number of makers each day for “12 Days of Holiday Shopping” – we encourage you to follow the RRC Polytech and Sustainability accounts on Instagram, where we’ll be sharing makers you can support between December 1-16.”
When you buy local from small businesses and artisan makers, you’re not only supporting creative makers in our community, but also the local economy. RRC Polytech has a strong commitment to sustainability and this is one way we’re able to encourage conscious shopping while promoting our talented staff, student, and alumni makers.
“In a typical year at RRC Polytech, we’re able to host various farmers’ and maker markets to give our staff and students the opportunity to shop a little more consciously. Even though we can’t host a physical market this year, we can still encourage everyone to buy local, and we hope that by sharing this list, we can help make your shopping experience more joyful and sustainable this year,” says Sara MacArthur, Director of Campus Planning and Sustainability at RRC Polytech.
Let’s support small business owners and shop local this season!
Made by RRC Polytech Alumni and Artisans
Animals Over People
Advanced Graphic Design grad Lauren Krawchuk has all your T-shirt needs, with 30 per cent of the profits supporting animal welfare!
Art Soap Life
RRC Polytech Graphic Communications grad Rebecca Haverluck has all your organic and botanical skincare needs, alongside local goods that are thoughtfully handcrafted and uniquely packaged with original artwork and prints.
Botany by Bike
Current student Veronica Warkentin is your source for beautiful dried florals and unique bike-themed jewellery.
Brie’s Botanicals
RRC Polytech grad Brie Henderson creates all-natural, handcrafted aromatherapy products, essential oils, air fresheners, yoga mat cleaners, multipurpose cleaners, and more.
Bubbles by Sharon
The College’s Sandra Barnes will keep you relaxed and warm this season with handmade luxury bath bombs.
Coal and Canary Candle Company
Advanced Graphic Design grad Amanda Buhse creates luxury candles with cheeky names for all the playful personalities in your life.
Cooks Creek Kimchi
Business Technology Management grad Viktor Marusyk makes his own kimchi — an ancient Korean superfood — right here in Manitoba.
Cree Indigenuity
RRC Polytech’s Heather Steppler creates beautiful Indigenous art and original art with a variety of materials.
Cze by Tania
RRC Polytech 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.
Dang Good Tea
RRC Polytech staff member Vadsana Phommainh makes delicious Honey Turmeric Tea — a gift anyone would love to sip on this season. Check it out on GoodLocal!
Dreaming of Clay
RRC Polytech student Emily Doerksen creates beautiful, hypoallergenic clay earrings in a variety of designs.
Dreaming Tree Paper Company
Digital A/V Production alum Julie Epp upcycles your favourite old books to create beautiful and unique journals. Using vintage hardcover books, Julie gives the covers a new purpose.
EcoPrintsWPG
RRC Polytech student Sijo Zachariah creates one-of-a-kind sustainable products and home décor using plant-based materials.
Electric Impression
RRC Polytech Art grad and instructor Warren Alejandro-Yarema will electrify your home with signed art prints, cards and furniture.
Glory Bee Honey
RRC Polytech staff member Gwen Anderson is your source for locally produced honey.
Gold Bone
Creative Communications grads Mike Germaniuk and Faye Armstrong will help you welcome the cold weather with soups and bison and chicken broths. They even have a lamb bone broth for pets!
iHooked
Health Information Management grad Courtney Edworthy will have you staying warm this season with crocheted and knit accessories, including toques, headbands, scarves and cowls.
J’em Bistro
Professional Baking and Patisserie grad Joseé Curé has the home-cooked finish for all your seasonal recipes. Made from scratch and with love, J’em Bistro has everything, from take home dinners, to soups and baked goods, pickles and jams, pastries and more. Stop by for dine in or take out, shop in their store or book them for your next catered event.
Jolene Olive Creative
Creative Communications grad Jolene Olive will entertain your little ones with the children’s book Dogs Don’t Eat Soup, illustrated by Graphic Design grad Josie Ta.
Julie Pedersen Design
Business Administration grad Julie Pedersen has the gift that gives back this season. Created from upcycled samples, StufF bags have many uses and give back to children, youth and families through the Treehouse Project at the Winnipeg Foundation.
Kalveca
Graphic Design grad Kalli Rodgers has all your essential oil and natural soap needs, including bath bomb bars and bath salts!
Queenston Crafts
RRC Polytech’s Lynn Gibson will keep you cozy this season with upcycled wool sweater mittens, cashmere neckwarmers, and wool catnip toys.
Raise the WOOF
RRC Polytech’s Tanis McCallum creates handmade items for dog and cat lovers, including home decor, mugs, handmade cards and decals.
The Sergin’ Mary
RRC Polytech staff member Mary Northover-Ramey has all the festive and sustainable gift bags & wrap you could imagine for your gifts for that special someone!
Threads & Things
Paramedicine grad Jolene Chacun will relieve your aches and pain this winter with colourful heat/cold flax bags.
Tiny Maker Mind
Business Admin grad Avery-Anne Gervais has the perfect gift for your little ones with intricate, laser-engraved alphabet blocks made of solid hardwood. Available in standard sets or personalized name blocks.
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 Polytech graduates!
Are you an RRC Polytech alumni member and business owner? If you’d like to connect with us about future opportunities for collaboration, email alumni@rrc.ca.