Awarding Neighbourhood Heroes

Since 2016, Casera Credit Union has presented Community Awards for Leadership and Enrichment to deserving community leaders, volunteers, and groups in Transcona and St. Vital.

The awards were presented at Casera’s Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, April 12, 2023.

CASERA COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP AWARDS

Angela Baraniuk

Angela Baraniuk is a highly respected teacher at Dakota Collegiate in St. Vital. Since 2015, she has taught the Life/Work career development course, which forms the foundation of the school’s student-led Lancer Credit Union. Under Angela’s guidance, students in the Lancer Credit Union program learn about financial literacy, business principles, and leadership. These skills, and their credit union experience, have helped many of them gain employment after graduation.

William “Bill” Blaikie (posthumously)

Bill Blaikie is esteemed in Canadian politics. For more than 30 years, Bill humbly served the constituents of Elmwood and Transcona as a Member of Parliament and Member of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. He was unwaveringly committed to progressive change and social activism. Bill was honoured with the Order of Canada in 2020 for his lifelong contributions to public service and social advocacy. He passed away in September 2022.

Robert “Doc” Holliday (posthumously)

Doc Holliday’s deep commitment to the St. Vital community earned him much praise and respect. Alongside his storied journalist career and passion for promoting wrestling, Doc poured his enthusiasm for history into the St. Vital Historical Society and Museum. He helped promote and preserve the community’s past through his tireless leadership at the museum and his extensive knowledge of St. Vital’s heritage. Doc passed away in December 2022.

Murray Rougeau

Murray Rougeau is a lifelong Transcona resident and a steadfast supporter of the community. Over the years, he has committed his time and service to more than 17 community groups, including organizing Transcona’s anti-graffiti program, chairing the Transcona Homecoming Reunion, and volunteering with Transcona Citizens on Patrol. Murray also currently sits on the Save 2747 Committee, the group set up to conserve the first steam engine built in Western Canada.

Kelly Wilde

Kelly Wilde is a dedicated and distinguished teacher at Transcona Collegiate. Between 2001 and 2020, she taught Money and Management, the foundation upon which Titan Credit Union, the first high school credit union in Manitoba, was built. Over those 19 years, Titan Credit Union students benefitted from Kelly’s guidance, leadership, and support. Many of them used the skills they gained from their credit union experience to find jobs after graduation.

CASERA COMMUNITY ENRICHMENT AWARDS

Transcona Council for Seniors

The Transcona Council for Seniors has been a vital community hub since 1993. The group provides community programming and connects older adults with resources to help them live independently. Among their many services are recreational and educational activities, assisted transportation, and sponsorship of an eat-in or take-out 55-plus dining experience four times a week. They also offer an information referral service to connect seniors with social services and programs.

Transcona East End Community Club

Transcona East End Community Club is a dynamic, volunteer-driven community organization. Established in 1946, it provides sports and recreational activities for children, youth, and families. The facilities are kept busy year-round with hockey, ringette, public skating, baseball, softball, soccer, and various summer camps. There are also recreational sports programs for adults, fitness classes, and weekly bingos. The complex was expanded in 2015 to meet the growing demands of the community.