"The most valuable experience of my life": CanU Canada's 2023 Imagine Stories Gala Gives Young Leaders a Voice
Eli Ouimet – November 16, 2023
CanU Canada proudly announces the overwhelming success of the Imagine Stories Gala 2023, held at the iconic Canadian Museum for Human Rights on November 15. With an unwavering commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders, the event saw a remarkable turnout and raised important funds in support of CanU’s mission.
CanU Canada storytellers, ambassadors and staff can’t keep from smiling after a wonderful evening spent connecting with CanU’s supporters.
The Imagine Stories Gala 2023, themed around the power of storytelling, captivated all manner of Manitobans, including esteemed guests, partners, donors, volunteers, and CanU participants. The night unfolded with a tapestry of narratives shared by CanU high school aged participants, illustrating the transformative impact of CanU’s programs on the lives of young individuals.
“CanU has been the most valuable experience of my life,” shared Salena Starling, a guest at the gala and former CanU kid who spoke at the inaugural Imagine Stories Gala in 2022. “It was my first home. I grew up in foster care, so having people from CanU around me who cared about me really helped me flourish.” Starling is a recent high school grad who is now a business owner and has pursued public speaking, “all because of my chance to speak at last year’s event.”
Six young Manitoban leaders took the stage to share their heartfelt and inspiring stories at the 2023 CanU Imagine Stories Gala.
CanU participant-turned-volunteer Llana Novencido attended the gala for the first time and acted as a CanU ambassador at the gala, welcoming guests. “Seeing other people share their stories can inspire other people, hopefully, to take some chances and try something new. Especially younger kids – it’s so cool to see them get up there and bravely share their story,” remarked Novencido.
A bright future for Manitoba echoed throughout the evening, symbolizing the collective dedication of the community to nurture the potential of Winnipeg’s youth. The gala not only celebrated CanU’s achievements over the past year but also emphasized the importance of education, mentorship, and community support in shaping the leaders of tomorrow. “Seeing the participants who spoke last year, and knowing how far they’ve come even in just the past twelve months, is so inspiring,” said Yuna Park, another former participant who now volunteers with CanU.
CanU Participant Krrish, a grade 12 student, shares his story of finding belonging and meaning with 250 supporters and friends of CanU.
Among the distinguished attendees was Kim Hannam, a generous supporter of CanU’s initiatives and founder and former owner of Petals West. “CanU, to me, is an unbelievably efficient organization that has a 100% graduation rate for its participants. It only costs a couple hundred dollars a year, to give kids a chance to reach their full potential. It’s mind-boggling.” The generosity of donors like Hannam enables CanU to continue its mission of fostering hope, confidence, and resilience in the lives of young participants.
The Imagine Stories Gala 2023 featured an array of activities, including captivating storytelling sessions led by CanU participants, a delightful dinner, a 50/50 draw, and a silent auction. The funds raised will contribute to expanding CanU’s reach, creating more opportunities for young individuals to unlock their potential.
CanU Canada extends heartfelt gratitude to the Winnipeg community, sponsors, partners, and donors whose unwavering support made the Imagine Stories Gala 2023 an unforgettable success. The event exemplified the power of collective commitment in shaping a brighter future for Winnipeg’s youth.
About CanU Canada: Founded in 2010, as a pilot program with 15 kids from 3 schools, CanU is a partner-based out-of-school program on Manitoba post-secondary campuses. We are now over 500 Grade 5-12 CanU kids, over 1000 post-secondary student and partner volunteers, more than 30 post-secondary departments and faculties, over 70 Winnipeg schools, over 80 programs, and five full-time employees. As an organisation built upon mutually beneficial partnerships with a rich variety of complementary stakeholders, we are united by the dream that when a child experiences hope and confidence, the possibilities for that child are limitless. To learn more about CanU Canada or to support the 2023 Imagine Stories Gala, visit canucanada.org.
In a landmark decision that promises to reshape the educational landscape in Manitoba, the provincial government has launched a Universal School Nutrition Program, ensuring that every student, regardless of their background, has access to a nutritious meal or snack during their school day. This bold initiative recognizes a fundamental truth: students cannot succeed in the classroom on an empty stomach. With $30 million allocated to the program in Budget 2024, the government is making a powerful investment in the future of Manitoba’s youth.
