Sophia leads the way

UPDATE : JCI Winnipeg's Charity Toy 

After a busy month with our #wpgToyDrive, we are very excited to share with you the success of this initiative. With the help of 13 different sponsors across the city, coupled with JCI Winnipeg member Brandi White's efforts, we collected over 300 toys for the Christmas Cheer Board.

A very big THANK YOU to all those who contributed to this initiative. Your generosity is undeniable, heartfelt and appreciated.

Have a look at our Facebook Photo Album. 

We would like to thank the 13 businesses that made important contributions to this drive. They age:

Sophia leads the way...



I was moved when my daughter and I discussed the Christmas Cheer Board’s toy drive.

What’s a “toy drive” she asked. With a few explanations about giving to those who need, Sophia decided to break open her piggy bank and give.

She wants to make sure that as many kids as possible can have a present to unwrap on Christmas morning. She wants to help me organize a drive. And so, we are. With the help of JCI Winnipeg and generous support from small businesses across the city, we've put together a list of Drop-off Location Sponsors to help Sophia gather as many contributions as possible.

I'm happy that she has such a big hart. I'm so proud of her and that she cares for others. It's an important value that all children can learn. Also, I'm glad to be a part of JCI. This group of young professionals can help little ideas like this turn into community successes.

On Monday, Nov. 10th, look to JCI Winnipeg's blog and Twitter feed for details on where you can donate a new, unwrapped toy for the Christmas Cheer Board. Tag and follow the drive on Twitter with #wpgtoydrive.

Thanks to all the businesses who have volunteered to host a Drop Off location, and to all of you who can contribute. 

Together, let’s help Sophia get, or should I say give, her Christmas wish.

Brandi White,JCI Winnipeg member and proud mother. 

Get all the details on how you can contribute by visiting our JCI Winnipeg's Charity Toy Drive page.

Trick-or-Eat with JCI Winnipeg

Take a look at our Smart Biz article about the #TrickOrEat event here. (page 6)

JCI Winnipeg
#TrickOrEat
Flyer 2014

JCI Winnipeg organized a #TrickOrEat Community Food Drive in support of Winnipeg Harvest for Halloween this past Friday. 

With the help of our sponsor, MB Battery, and the residents of Meadowbank Rd, Marygrove Crescent and Tolcross Gate in Whyte Ridge, JCI Winnipeg made a total weight contribution to Winnipeg Harvest of 411 pounds of food and $60 in cash donations. 

This inspiriting generosity reminds us all of our capacity to give. Thank you to all who have contributed to this kindness. We look forward to next year's event and invite those who wish to achieve a greater impact to join us. 

It all started amid various discussions among members at our JCI Winnipeg Summer Wrap Up event on Sept. 3rd. What should we do for Halloween? Then, John Mark Wilderspin and Erica Christie came up with the idea of Trick-or-Treating for contributions to Winnipeg Harvest. The project was accepted unanimously, a work group was formed and tasks were quickly snatched up.  

• Connect with other #TrickOrEat groups across the city
• Mobilize with a Facebook event - Trick-or-Eat with JCI Winnipeg
• Create, print and distribute a flyer to 200+ homes
• Tweet about the event, along with our upcoming elections
• Save to calendar and think of a costume

In all, we mobilized 9 young active citizens, some JCI Winnipeg members and some future members, and went door to door in Whyte Ridge, collecting contributions to Winnipeg Harvest. We gathered 411 lbs of food and $60 cash for Winnipeg Harvest in less than 2 hours.  

John Mark and I chatted about next year's event while unloading what we had collected at Winnipeg Harvest. He's agreed to lead the project again, and I pledged to assist him. I am sure next year's JCI Winnipeg Board of Directors will adopt this project and make it even bigger. 

If anyone wants to help out, here's what we need:

• Someone to design a better flyer
• Volunteers to go door to door with us on Sat. Oct. 31st, 2015
• Small business sponsors like MB Battery :-)

Leave a comment below, email us at JCIWinnipeg@gmail.com or tweet us at @JCIWinnipeg to sign up for next year. 

Winnipeg Harvest takes donations year round, have a look at these options on how to get involved. 

Thanks to all who participated.


What's next for JCI Winnipeg ? 

• Check out our upcoming elections for the 2015 Board of Directors
• Read about our upcoming JCI Winnipeg Charity Toy Drive, in support of the Christmas Cheer Board.

JCI Senetorship

JUNIOR CHAMBER STAYS TIGHT WITH PAST MEMBERS
Featured in Smart Biz
Published on October 6th, 2014
Written by: Danelle Hueging

What is a JCI senator you ask? A senatorship is the highest honour that can be bestowed on a member of Junior Chamber International. It is a unique way to pay tribute to an individual for his or her dedication and outstanding service on either a local, national, or international level. Continue reading...

2014 JCI National Conference

It was a whirlwind weekend spent in Ajax, Ontario where JCI Durham hosted the 2014 JCI National Conference., conference chair. Congratulations to Erin Guillemette, event chair, and your team for organizing such a fantastic event!

Most of the 16 JCI chapters across Canada were represented at this year’s conference, which serves to gather Canadian members to share ideas and expertise, to take part in the General Assembly, earn recognition in the National Awards Ceremony and cast their vote in the JCI Canada’s National Board.

Of the many Canadian delegates who gathered to share, learn and have fun, JCI Winnipeg was represented by Katrina Hueging, VP Fellowship, Joel Mabon, Director, Natasha Fisher, VP Membership (EffectiveSpeaking Champion of the Americas) and myself, JCI President Danelle Hueging. We also had the pleasure of welcoming JCI Senator Gord Kraushar and his wife Arlene, who joined us for the JCI Senator’s conference taking place on the same weekend.

Wednesday night’s opening ceremonies kicked off the convention. We welcomed several USA Jaycees, along with a few JCI Senators. Always fun catching up with members from across North America!

Thursday marked the formal aspects of the convention – all Chapter Presidents and the JCI National Board were in General Assembly, reviewing progress made with the 2014 strategic plan, reviewing budgets and sharing updates from local chapters. JCI Durham, convention hosts, had planned workshops for all other members not participating in General Assembly, including sessions on entrepreneurship, fundraising and active citizenship.

JCI Winnipeg President Danelle Hueging addressing General Assembly. 

This made for a very busy day full of networking and the learning never stopped.

Thursday night we had an “All Aboard” theme night, where everyone dressed up in their finest sailor attire! Between karaoke, some bad sailor jokes and getting re-acquainted with fellow members from across the country, a lot of great stories were shared and fun memories made.

One of my highlights from Friday was seeing our regional Effective Speaking Champ Katrina compete in the National Effective Speaking Competition – she did so well. Not to brag, but she also took home the award for Best Impromptu Speech. Nicely done Katrina – we’re so proud of you getting to the national stage!

Later, I accepted my nomination as National Vice-President for the JCI National Board. I’m eager to begin working on JCI’s national objectives and look forward to the development opportunities this will bring for my fellow JCI Winnipeg members. 

Friday evening was reserved for the JCI National Awards Ceremony, which celebrates personal and chapter achievements, the highlight of the National Conference! I’m so proud of the hard work our members put into the projects, and we are bringing home the following recognition:

*Best Chapter Management Initiative (Communications)
*Best Local UN MDG Project (Winnipeg Harvest Food Drive)
*Best Community Impact Award (Roundtable Breakfast Club)

and GOLD Chapter Excellence for our chapter diligence!

Special congratulations to Natasha Fisher for being nominated as Executive Board Member of the year, and to Simon Méthot for being nominated as Best New Member of the Year – JCI Winnipeg was able to accomplish a lot over the past year with strong team members like yourselves giving 110%!

JCI Members, these awards were won because of YOUR hard work; for stepping up, getting involved and taking action to make a difference. I am so proud of the positive impact you have in our community and across Canada-keep up the great work!

Saturday, the delegates were invited to take part in a ‘community clean’, a gorgeous, sunny day for it. This was followed by the President’s Gala, when the new National Board is sworn in for their term.

JCI Winnipeg took the opportunity to collect donations for Effective Speaking Champion of the Americas Natasha Fisher’s bid for the World Title. The finals are taking place in Leipzig, Germany in November 2014. A 5$ donation would get you an official “Support Button”. Some chose to give more, including Jean-Simon from Quebec and Shawn from Edmonton who gave 100$ each to help Natasha. And to everyone who gave, whether it was $5 or $50, your generosity is second to none - thanks for helping us to help her make the trip to represent Canada on the world stage.

Being a Jaycee really does take on a whole new meaning when you step outside of your local community projects, and get involved on a bigger level. I hope that everyone takes the opportunity to get involved in one of these unforgettable events!

I’m already looking forward to the next one in Calgary – see you there!

Danelle Hueging

President - JCI Winnipeg

National Vice President - JCI Canada

Ways and whys of getting involved locally.

Last Friday, I joined fellow members for JCI Winnipeg’s Annual Golf Tournament, taking place at Larters at St. Andrews Golf & Country Club. The objective this year was to raise funds to help JCI Winnipeg deliver its Leadership Series events. We also wish to help Natasha Fisher bring home the World Title in JCI’s Effective Speaking Competition taking place in Leipzig, Germany.

After a quick lunch, we hit the links for a round of golf, laughs and fellowship. And something more…

Since returning to Winnipeg 7 months ago, friends and colleagues often ask why I am involved with JCI. What’s does JCI do for you? What’s it all for?

In the quiet moments on the tee box and between putts, I found a few answers.

Last Friday, I went golfing, and I made a contribution to the success of Joel Mabon’s first experience as a JCI Event Chair. Well done Joel.

Last Friday, I didn’t go to work; I brought work to me by inviting my boss and 2 clients to join us. This gave me chance to show my appreciation to all three.

Last Friday, I promoted two business people from my immediate network, who left some gifts for all tournament golfers.  (Thanks Dulux Paints and Perspective Financial)

Last Friday, I supported Natasha Fisher in her efforts to bring back the World Title in Effective Speaking at JCI’s World Congress in Germany.

Last Friday, I connected with a group of young, dynamic and energetic professionals committed to a better Winnipeg.

Following the tournament, we were welcomed by past JCI member Kelly Faubert for a BBQ at his place.

In the end, I left with a few things, new friends, a few grateful clients, some cool prizes (thanks MB Battery). I also left with a stronger sense of who I am and how my involvement can make a difference for those close to me, for my City, and all those whom I share it with.

Jason Gunnlaugson

Owner, DV Painting
Treasurer, JCI Winnipeg
jason@dv-paint.ca

From the President,

It was a great day to hit the links! JCI Winnipeg’s Annual Golf Tournament united past and current members and gave JCI Director Joel Mabon a chance to successfully organize his first JCI event.

It's always good to see a project come together and to see JCI members creating opportunities to get involved locally. Every event that mobilizes the community to raise funds for community projects is a win for Winnipeg; and it’s due to people stepping up and taking on responsibilities as organizers.

Getting involved really is the best way to make a difference, and the experience you gain along the way is well worth the effort.

Congratulations to golfers Michael Thompson, a past JCI Board member, and supporters Kevin Gates, Larry Gates and Elaine Gates for taking home Best Score!

Huge round of applause for JCI Past President Kelly Faubert and his wife Jennifer for hosting the post-golf wrap-up at their place... despite the cooler temperatures, we still took advantage of the pool!

Thanks to our sponsors MB Battery, BKG Distributors and King Accounting and Tax Services for helping us make the event so successful! Your support at events like this help create opportunities for professional and personal growth for our members; your involvement is greatly appreciated.

To everyone who came out in support of our tournament - THANK YOU!

A final note to JCI Senators Bill Enefer and Gord Kraushaur who joined us – I will practicing for next year so I can beat your scores – GAME ON !

Danelle Hueging
JCI Winnipeg President

Growing with JCI - Looking back on experiences gained from JCI

Past JCI Winnipeg member gives his account about his time with JCI, published in SmartBiz.

--------------------------------------------------

"A past member and board member of JCI Winnipeg, I was a part of JCI as long as I could be. It’s designed for those 18-40, and I have enjoyed celebrating my 40th already – otherwise I would still be in there taking advantage of the opportunities and experiences JCI presents.
Before I start to tell you about my JCI development, my question for you is: where are you right now with your life? Are you comfortable? Are you bored? Are you spinning your wheels because no one will give you a chance or opportunities? Do you dream of doing more?" Continue reading...

Natasha Fisher’s public speaking skills are taking her around the world.

Update: World Effective Speaking Championship Competition

The results are in. The JCI World Champion for Effective Speaking is Paul Akingbola of JCI Nigeria. Congratulations to this well earned victory.

Have a look at the list of awards handed out at JCI World Congress 2014 in Leipzig - Germany in Issue #5 of the JCI World Congress Newsletter (page 3) 

To our Natasha Fisher : we are SO PROUD OF YOU. We wish to extend our sincerest thanks for being our ambassador to the 2014 JCI World Congress, representing Winnipeg, Canada and the Americas as Effective Speaking Champion of the Americas.

We look forward to welcoming you back home with this new experience and anticipate a stronger effective speaking training program for JCI Winnipeg members in 2015. 

The leadership you displayed throughout your bid for the championship title will serve you well as you take on the role of President of JCI Winnipeg in 2015, and our members will benefit greatly from your experience on the JCI World stage. 

Thank you for all hard work, your courage and your leadership. 

Update: World Effective Speaking Championship Competition

Today, Natasha Fisher delivered her speech at JCI World Congress 2014 in Leipzig - Germany as Champion of the America's. She competed with three other candidates representing their respective areas. These candidates were from Denmark, Nigeria and Cambodia. All four delivered impressive speeches. 

We await the awards ceremony taking place on Friday, November 28th 2014 to find out who will take home the World Effective Speaking Championship Title. 

All the best to our Canadian representative. We're behind you 110%.

Keep tabs on Twitter with #jciwc2014 and by following JCI Winnipeg. 

Previously posted

JCI Winnipeg's Natasha Fisher, Vice-president of Membership ascends Effective Speaking Champion of the Americas, and will represent the America's at the JCI World Congress in Leipzig, Germany in November 2014.

May 2104, Jared Story of the Winnipeg Free Press wrote:

When she speaks, people listen : Sinclair Park resident off to Germany for JCI World Congress
"Winning the national competition, Fisher then represented JCI Canada at the JCI Conference of the Americas in Medellín, Colombia from April 23 to 26. Once again taking top spot, Fisher will now be representing the Americas at the JCI World Congress in Leipzig, Germany in November." Continue reading...


August 2014, SMART Tab published her story:

Competing for the world title for effective speaking in Leipzig, Germany.  
"On November 26th, 141 days at the time of writing this article, I will be competing for the world title for Effective Speaking in Leipzig, Germany. This is journey I started over a year ago here in Winnipeg. This incredible opportunity is due to my involvement with JCI (Junior Chamber International)." Continue reading...


JCI member-to-member mentoring

Natasha Fisher quickly transferred her knowledge and skills as an effective speaker to JCI member Katrina Hueging, who just competed for her place at the Prairie Regional Effective Speaking competition that took place on June 7 in Calgary. Katrina will be competing for the top spot in JCI Canada's Effective Speaking Competition taking place in Ajax, ON in September, during JCI Canada's National Convention.

All the best to Katrina who will be defending Winnipeg's claim to national effective speaking champs, and a chance to represent Canada, as Natasha did, in the next JCI Conference of the Americas, taking place in Cochabamba, Bolivia in May 2015. 

JCI Winnipeg's Katrina Hueging competing for the Prairie Regional Effective Speaking title in Calgary, AB.