Youth resilience is in the spotlight at an upcoming gala fundraiser that will share the stories of Manitoba’s future leaders.
CanU will host its annual youth-led Imagine Stories Gala on Thursday, Nov. 13 at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg. The Winnipeg-based charitable organization offers mentorship to kids in grades 5 to 12 on post-secondary campuses.
Each week, students from across the city are bused to campus to take part in fun, educational programs led by university students who volunteer as mentors through CanU’s Leadership Development program.
“The experience creates a powerful two-way impact; youth gain confidence, curiosity and a sense of belonging, while the university mentors develop leadership and empathy through giving back,” said Christina Wood, chair of the CanU Imagine Stories Gala. “Together, they’re building a stronger, more connected Manitoba.”
For Wood, the cause is close to her heart.
“This event is deeply personal for me. I grew up in poverty and moved between foster homes. At one point, even finishing high school felt out of reach. But I was lucky to have people who believed in me — teachers and mentors and my foster mom who helped me believe in myself,” she said.
“CanU is about giving young people the chance to be seen, supported and inspired to believe in themselves. It’s a program I wish had existed when I was growing up, and that’s why I’m so passionate about helping it grow.”
The Nov. 13 gala is geared for anyone who believes in the potential of Manitoba’s youth — including community members, the business community, educators and supporter who want to make a difference.
“It’s also for people like me, who see a bit of themselves in some of the CanU students and know what having a safe place to grow and learn can do for your confidence and your future,” Wood said.
“Many of our guests come year after year because they leave inspired by the students and the stories they share.”
The goal of the gala is simple: to raise awareness and funds so more kids can participate in CanU.
“We want every student who dreams of joining to have the chance, regardless of their circumstances. It’s one of our main fundraisers of the year. All proceeds go directly toward CanU programming, covering transportation, meals, scholarships and the costs that make it possible for almost 700 students to attend and thrive,” Wood said.
“It also supports the processes involved in selecting, training and coordinating almost 800 post-secondary volunteers who are developing their professional and leadership skills and convictions. The gala is what keeps the program accessible to families who might not otherwise be able to participate.”
For Interlake residents, the program can also make an impact.
“Even though the Imagine Stories Gala takes place in Winnipeg, the message behind it resonates across the province: when we invest in our youth, our whole province grows. In fact, CanU is working with several partners to develop and provide opportunities to youth in northern and remote parts of our province,” Wood said.
“Through our CanU’s Leadership and Development program, post-secondary students volunteer as mentors, tutors, program designers and facilitators for grades 5 to 12 participants, and many of those mentors come from communities outside Winnipeg, including the Interlake and Pembina regions. In many ways, the impact travels home with them— back into the communities they come from and eventually return to.”
At the same time, the CanU team is also working to grow their reach and share what they’ve learned.
“Beyond raising funds and awareness for CanU, our story might inspire others to start their own local initiatives that connect youth, mentors and education,” Wood said. ‘And we’d be happy to share our experience and insight with anyone who wants to make that happen in their own community or help us bring CanU into theirs.”
The Imagine Stories Gala takes place on Nov. 13 at 6 p.m. at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights (85 Israel Asper Way in Winnipeg).
“The Imagine Stories Gala is our annual celebration and fundraiser. It’s a powerful evening where CanU youth take the stage to share their own stories — stories of hope, confidence and growth. Alongside that, we host a gourmet cocktail-style dinner, online auction, 50/50 draw and VIP reception. It’s one night that brings together community, inspiration and impact,” Wood said.
“There are lots of ways to get involved; sponsoring the event, donating to the online auction, volunteering or simply helping spread the word. We’re always looking for mentors, supporters and community partners who want to help create opportunities for youth.”
Visit trellis.org/2025imaginestoriesgala for more info about tickets and sponsorship opportunities. The event usually sells out, so it’s best to buy tickets early.
