1997
Marie Berger, Dianne Ferguson, and Margy Nelson each with a child with cerebral palsy came together to create The Movement Centre of Manitoba Inc. Separately, they took their children to Alberta and Ontario for the Conductive Education programs offered in those centers. All three parents saw considerable improvement in their child’s mobility and self-confidence, and wanted access to Conductive Education at home in Manitoba.
By December 5, 1997, The Movement Centre of Manitoba Inc. was officially registered as a non-profit corporation by the Province of Manitoba.
1998
The Movement Centre of Manitoba Inc. was granted charity status January 1st.
In March 1998 a pilot project was launched in the Society for Manitobans building. Two Conductors were hired from Hungary for a three week contract. This led to a two month summer program- located at the United Church in Meadowood. The results and the responses of children and parents convinced the organizers that a year round program was the direction to pursue. The large number of children enrolled in the fall program, now located at The Rehab Centre for Children, demonstrated the need for a year-round program and facility.
1999
The Centre continued to offer programs to children with cerebral palsy during the spring, summer and fall. Programs were held in both the Rehab Centre for Children and later in the year at The Beautiful Saviour Lutheran School.
2000
The first year-round Conductive Education program was offered. We were located in the Tuxedo Park Shopping Centre. Participating clients continued to follow our program from one location to another.
2001
With 2 conductors on contract, the Centre located to Scurfield Blvd. We introduced an adult cerebral palsy group to our program repertoire. The fall brought the excitement of observing the transformation of an outdoor tennis court into an accessible facility and future home for The Movement Centre.
2002
A prominent local businessman and his daughter, Mr. Martin Bergen and Ms. Miriam Bergen (Edison Properties), built and donated a 5300 sq. ft. complex. The wheelchair accessible facility features a shower area, large kitchen and laundry room, and is accessible to an Olympic size indoor pool. The grand opening was held June 26th. Our facility has been named the Ruth Bergen Memorial Centre in honour of Mr. Bergen’s late wife.
We introduced a trial Parkinson’s Disease program which enabled a small group to experience the benefits of Conductive Education.
2003
In addition to the Conductive Education program, enhancement programs including aquatic therapy were made available to our clients and to the community in general. Our pool is equipped with a hydraulic lift. We offered pre-school, school age, young adult and adult programs, as well as individual private sessions. Our client base included those with cerebral palsy, head injury, and Parkinson’s disease.
We introduced a Multiple Sclerosis pilot program which allowed 5 individuals with M.S. to experience what Conductive Education could do for them. Our pre-school programs had increased considerably throughout 2003. For school age children, we continued to offer intensive 4 week camps (Mon – Fri, 9a.m to 3p.m.) throughout the months of March, July, August. These camps include an aquatic segment, two days each week.
2004
The aquatic segment was implemented into the Friday & Saturday school age program. The Preschool program increased to 2.5 hours per session, twice a week. Individual / private sessions were also arranged to facilitate requests.
2005
A research / survey study is currently underway. Movement Centre past and present clients, along with the Cerebral Palsy Association and Multiple Sclerosis Society memberships were poled.
Programs continue to increase in size and complexity.
2006
March – Winn$tock – a Battle of the Bands – put on by Winnipeg’s Financial Industry selected The Movement Centre as their recipient charity – bringing in $68,000 for our Centre.! This was the catalyst for The Movement Centre to expand programming and include a second Conductor.
The Movement Centre joins ACENA – the Association for Conductive Education in North America
Spring – “Stroke” trial programs begin
July 15th – client Chad Faurschou cycles from his home in Portage la Prairie – to the Winnipeg Blue Bomber stadium – getting to Centre field – assisting with the Coin Toss. Blue Bomber personalities are there to greet Chad. His pledges raise over $10k!
2007
May – The Movement Centre was selected as the McHappy Day Recipients of McDonald’s Restaurants – bringing in over $72k
June – The Movement Centre teams up with “Variety” and sends kids to Camp Brereton for a memorial conductive education experience…at the lake. The staff state it was a “ton of work” but was worth every minute of effort!
July – Media 1 Productions is contracted to create “Our Story” – a video depicting the successes of Conductive Education rehabilitation at The Movement Centre. Nancy Gregory “falls in love” with the Centre and joins the Board of Directors.
Fall – The Board of Directors thanks outgoing Treasurer Doug Smith – and welcomes BDO tax partner – Gord Meger, as our new Treasurer.
2008
The Movement Centre celebrates 10 years!!!
Hugh McFadyen, Leader of the Opposition in the Manitoba Legislature awards The Movement Centre with a congratulatory plaque “For providing ten years of outstanding programming and support services to children and adults with physical disabilities.”
Spring – Robert H. Smith School hosts a Pancake Breakfast with proceeds to our Centre.
Summer – Staff and clients from the past 10 years celebrate our Anniversary with a backyard BBQ.
Fall – Tim Steadman (Assante Financial) and father to client Olivia – is appointed Chair of the Board
2009
The Winnipeg Foundation awards our Centre funding to embark on projects such as a strategic planning project inviting Joan Blight of Strategic Philanthropy, to work together with Board and staff.
“Freedom to Ride” – a fundraising venture lead by Dana Martin –to raise funds through a golf tournament – to purchase specialized bicycles from Freedom Concepts. These bikes will be on a lend basis – provided at no charge, to Movement Centre clients who can benefit, and returned, and paid forward, when the bikes are outgrown.
Fall – Gary Coopland – retired executive (Investors Group) and client, becomes a member of the Board of Directors
Conductor Assistant Chris Martin – heads off to the University of Wolverhampton, Birmingham, UK for Conductor training…we look forward to his Graduation – and being North America’s first male Conductor.
2010
June – Conductor Gemma Davy and Conductor Assistant Joey Potter get married
December – The Movement Centre welcomes Terry Smith (Boyd Autobody Executive Chairman) to the Board of Directors
2011
April – Move ‘N Groove-athon – a pledge-taking dance relay is “born”! Thanks to title sponsor Boyd Autobody for coming onboard. The event is a huge success – bringing in over $135k in pledges! Many thanks to Marnie Strath for her talents in getting this event organized.
Spring – the Reh-Fit Foundation nominates The Movement Centre for the Healthy Living Award.
March – Staff members Gemma & Joey Potter welcome their first child – Leiella Diann Potter.
Fall – The Board thanks Marnie Courage for her years of service (2008-2011) on the Board, and welcomes Cheryl Hedley (Principal Consultant – Protegra) in the role of Secretary of the Board of Directors.
The Movement Centre receives the Manitoba in Motion Award.
The Dufresne Million $ Charity Challenge – awards The Movement Centre $5,000.
September –The Inaugural – “Fun in a Bun” – a unique gourmet BBQ – in a tent- created by George Andrews (GJ Andrews Food & Wine Shoppe) and JP Parenty (Parenty Reitmeier Translation Services) and hosted at the polo ranch residence of Bruce & Louise King (Pitblado LLP). Great Foody Event!
2012
January – Executive Director- Margy Nelson was nominated by McDonald’s Restaurants as one of Winnipeg’s “Difference Makers” to participate in the Rick Hanson relay.
March – 5 year volunteer Bob Ritchie says “Adios” to the MS clients who he has worked with. Wishing you well, Bob.
March – Ken Tacium (Tacium Vincent Orlikow… friend, volunteer board member, legal counsel- who donated his time to incorporate and register The Movement Centre as a Registered Charity – passes away. The Ken Tacium Memorial Fund is created to provide financial assistance to Movement Centre clients who require additional supports in covering their fees.
June – Hilary Druxman (Hilary Druxman Jewellers) designs a delicate butterfly necklace – in support of The Movement Centre. Thanks also to the Winnipeg Jets True North Foundation for choosing to support Movement Centre clients and their families by offering funding to families requiring additional financial support. Go Jets!
Summer – Executive Director, Margy Nelson – is featured in Winnipeg Women’s summer feature – a story highlighting client successes at The Movement Centre.
September – The Board of Directors welcomes new members Dr. Nigel MacDonald (retired, St. Boniface Hosp.) and Rob Margeson (Ranger Insurance).
The Movement Centre creates its second Video – highlighting the latest “stories” – thanks to Media 1 Productions’ Nancy Gregory for her expertise in story-telling.
2013
April – The Movement Centre was named the recipient of the Martin Bergen Award for our “Longstanding contribution to society and the community served by Concordia” – and was celebrated at the 30th Anniversary Gala Dinner themed “Body, Mind and Spirit” – at the Winnipeg Convention Centre. Executive Director, Margy Nelson received a glass etched “butterfly” – proudly displayed in the Centre’s reception area.
Spring – The Movement Centre takes the next step – and hires a 3rd conductor – increasing our capacity! The Ken Tacium Memorial Fund grants additional funding to Movement Centre families requiring additional financial support to cover their fees.
LUSH – Lush Charity Pot campaign selects The Movement Centre – with the campaign hitting the stores in time for Christmas 2013. This campaign provides our Centre with $15,000 – and the exposure on each container of LUSH Charity Pot body lotion – priceless!!!
June – John Bockstael (Bockstael Construction) helps The Movement Centre “expand” – by donating time and material to convert a storage area and office space into a much needed – 3rd classroom for our adult clients. Many thanks!
July – Christopher Martin – BA Hons – QCS – returns from England as our New Conductor – Winnipeg born and raised!!! We’re so proud of you, Chris. 🙂
August – Quality Design – donates materials to create a new workspace for our Conductors – and Jim Phillips (Star Building) provides a much needed outdoor storage shed to keep our extra equipment in. We could NOT do it without the support of “our friends”; Thank you!!
2014
Winter – February is National Conductive Education month at The Movement Centre. WE hosted a “Stand up for C.E” event – whereby clients were encouraged to get their family and friends to sponsor them – as to how long they could “stand” at their Movement Centre class. It was a huge success and a source of pride!!
Spring – Johnny Fukumoto of Fukumoto Fitness hosts a fitness fundraiser for our Centre, with the Original Pancake House – hosting a pancake breakfast fundraiser.
May – Niki Schneider – our Hungarian born, British trained conductor – arrives! Hooray! Hockey Night in Canada’s – Play On! Winnipeg hired Tom McGouran (Tom & Larry) who subsequently selected The Movement Centre as their charity partner. Thanks to staff member Justin Burley who assisted with this event over a 3 day period – through wind and rain.
June 2014 – Bits & Pieces – is “born”; George Andrews of GJ Andrews Food & Wine Shoppe hosts this amazing tapas-style event – held at the Wildwood Club Community Centre – over $70k raised! The Manitoba Community Services Council grants our Centre a record-breaking amount – all as administrative support. We are so grateful! Curtis Carpets selected our Centre to share proceeds from their golf tournament held at Kingswood Golf & Country Club. Thanks to the Curtis brothers – Wayne & Gary – for their support!
August – Wayne Sage (Harwood Design Builders) creates “Margaritaville” – an invitational golf tournament held at the Niakwa Golf & Country Club – followed by a BBQ at his residence.
2015
Spring – Winn$tock raised a record $$ amount – in excess of $135k – sharing the funds with both The Movement Centre as well as the Winn$tock Legacy Fund (managed by The Winnipeg Foundation). What a gift! Lacoste Garden Centre offered us an amazing opportunity; we sell gift cards to their store and they will kick back a great commission. This event was proposed to our Movement Centre families; they could sell these gift cards, The Movement Centre would receive their commission, and then this commission would be put against their client fee. Another way to help our families pay for their loved-ones’ programs. A Win-Win situation indeed!!
Summer – We welcomed conductor Anett Dulcz – on a one year contract from Hungary, and are excited to work with her. Moxie’s Classic Grill continues to support us – and this year, also includes The Movement Centre in their inaugural Shark Club Golf Tournament. We sent volunteers to organize their Registration as well as putting contests, and received a whopping $13k combined. Thanks so much to Chris M. and Anton P. (and Darren of course).
Fall – The Movement Centre staff begin their Professional Development Fundraising campaign – all in preparation for attending the ACENA (Association for Conductive Education in North America) Conference – held Spring 2016 in Orlando. Thanks to The Winnipeg Foundation for their support of Professional Development.
