about us

ThinkFirst Manitoba began in 1995 under the leadership of Winnipeg neurosurgeon and former Winnipeg Blue Bomber, Dr. Norman Hill. In 2004, pediatric neurosurgeon, Dr. Patrick McDonald took the reins as Chapter Director lending his expertise to the success of the organization.

From the very beginning, Think First Manitoba has been primarily sponsored by the Winnipeg Blue Bomber Alumni. By virtue of their ongoing support, over 3100 bicycle helmets have been distributed to children in the province completely free of charge!

Also with us since the beginning is VIP Tyler Keith, who has been the face of ThinkFirst Manitoba. As a former elite athlete, his story is especially impactful for students of all ages, as he tells the story of his life and how it changed instantaneously as a result of a motor vehicle crash.

ThinkFirst Manitoba is coordinated by Jodi Dusik-Sharpe, RN.

 

what we do

School presentations remain at the heart of ThinkFirst Manitoba's mandate. Tens of thousands of students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 have received the age appropriate and varied ThinkFirst Manitoba presentations. The "watermelon drop" is always a crowd favorite for elementary and middle school students. The visual display reinforces the necessity of wearing a helmet to the delight of the children.

success stories

• Thanks to ThinkFirst Manitoba, the players of the Sisler High School Rugby team received protective headgear designed for Rugby. Now the students who did not have access to the gear can participate safely in the sport. Go Sisler!
• ThinkFirst Manitoba has taken part in the following Teddy Bears' picnic:

Assiniboine Park Teddy Bears' Picnic - On May 30th 2010, ThinkFirst Manitoba took part in the 24th annual Teddy Bears' Picnic at Assiniboine Park, Manitoba. Approximately 10, 000 people were out to take part in the event.

Carberry Teddy Bear Picnic - On July 5th, 2010 ThinkFirst Manitoba in conjunction with Carberry EMS attended the Carberry Teddy Bear Picnic.

Virden Teddy Bear Picnic/ Children's Injury Prevention Day - On July 15, 2010 Virden EMS and ThinkFirst Manitoba provided education on injury prevention in Virden, MB.

Hamiota Teddy Bear Picnic on July 20th, 2010.

Russell Teddy Bear Picnic on August 4th, 2010

Melita Teddy Bear Picnic on August 16th, 2010

• Follow the link to read an article from the Winnipeg Free Press on ThinkFirst Manitoba.
• ThinkFirst Manitoba gave 28 ThinkFirst For Kids presentations in 2009 to over 1400 kids.
• 480 helmets were given away to kids in 2009 thanks to ThinkFirst Manitoba's tireless effort to protect the nations most precious resources - our youth.
• In 2009 ThinkFirst Manitoba took part in 6 community events including The Winnipeg Fringe Festival, The Westman Dreams for Kids County Fair in Brandon, and the Children's Hospital's Teddy Bear Picnic at Assinboine Park.
• In 2008, Chapter Coordinator, Jodi Dusik-Sharpe was recognized by the Canadian Nurses Association as 1 of 100 exceptional registered nurses across Canada whose personal contributions have made an outstanding and significant impact on the nursing profession. Jodi's work with Think First was highlighted.
• ThinkFirst Manitoba took part in the Hockey Canada Concussion Seminar, on Saturday November 29th, 2008 at the Fairmont Winnipeg. You can find more information on this full-day event by visiting -
  www.hockeycanada.ca/5/6/8/7/9/index1.shtml

Pictured: ThinkFirst Canada Founder, Dr. Charles Tator and TF Manitoba VIP Tyler Keith at the Hockey Canada Concusison Seminar

• In 2002, the Minister of Education formally endorsed the TD ThinkFirst for Kids curriculum. K-8 binders were distributed to every school within the province free of charge.

 

fundraising initiatives

ThinkFirst Manitoba and volunteers from Winnipeg can be seen working in concession stands at the Winnipeg Blue Bomber Football games and concerts and events at the MTS centre. Proceeds help fund ThinkFirst Manitoba initiatives. You Can also donate by clicking here, be sure to note in the instructions that funds are to be directed to the Manitoba chapter. Alternatively, you can send a cheque care of the National Office at Suite 314-750 Dundas St. W, Toronto, ON, M6J 3S3. Please note on your cheque that the donation should be directed to the Manitoba Chapter.

board of directors

Dr. Patrick McDonald, Chapter Director
Noel Dunford
Dr. Derek Fewer
Dr. Norman Hill - Director Emeritus

345

345 helmets given away in 2010 and 480 helmets given away in 2009!

28

28 classrooms presented to in 2010!