Métis leaders in Manitoba have given science students from across the province a big step up – twice in one day!
In the words of Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) President David Chartrand,
“$75 thousand goes some way, but another $75 thousand goes a lot further.”
At a ceremony held August 20 in the RBC Youth BIOlab Jeunesse in the St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, Manitoba Métis Heritage Fund (MMHF) Chair Denise Thomas presented a cheque for $75,000 to Youth BIOlab Director Steve Jones, in support of youth science education at the Hospital. The funds were raised at the MMHF “Embracing our Beginnings” annual gala, held in May 2019.
“It’s wonderful to share this moment with our partners from the Manitoba Métis Federation and St. Boniface Hospital Foundation,” said Thomas. “Having a space like this, where children have the opportunity to explore the fields of science and medicine, is so important.”
The moment was about to get even more exciting. While giving his remarks, MMF President Chartrand surprised everyone in the lab by announcing that he had decided the MMF would match the MMHF’s $75,000 gift, bringing the total donation up to $150,000.
“Enticing our young people to pursue this field I think will be really important for many of our families, because there are great minds out there – you just need to give them the tools and the opportunity to get there,” said Chartrand.