A magical evening.

Amanda and I were treated to a wonderful, wonderful evening. A big part of the gala event was a tribute to our 24 Aboriginal role models from the Rawlco Role Model Campaign. Leanne Bellegarde was outstanding as she highlighted the achievements of these special individuals. Monica Goulet was MC and did a wonderful job. The event was put on by the Aboriginal Business Students Society at the Edwards School of Business and it was a fantastic trip down memory lane for me as I was reunited with so many of the role models we met over the course of the summer.

We met Sean Willy's mom - emotionally tributed in his profile and had fun with the unique Darlene Johnson and the cutest couple ever,

Luke and Erin Levesque.

One of the best parts of the night was that each table featured a young aboriginal high school student. These students were coached on mixing and mingling and let me tell you - everyone could learn a lesson about "how to" from them as their poise and charm was evident as they worked the room. Talk about inspirational.

For anyone who hasn't been there yet - I really encourage you to visit http://www.thisisyourfuture.ca/

I know their stories will move you as they did us.

Cross Lake Rocks!

A very early morning call to Perimeter Airlines for a 7 am flight to Cross Lake. First we were told that we could get on but lots of our equipment wouldn't likely make it til the 4 pm flight. Eventually it was all sorted out and we were off to the grand re-opening of the North Mart Pharmacy in Cross Lake. Along with one of the happiest people I've ever met, pharmacist Dave Huston we headed north. While there we met Store Manager Richard, pharmacist Mark Bautista and pharmacy assistant Deanna Ross. What a fabulous group of people. Camera-guy Clark did a fantastic job chronicling the event and charming the residents. It was very exciting interviewing area residents who shared their thoughts in English and in Cree. All in all it was a super fun and successful event.

Thanks to Amanda, as always, for getting all the print jobs done in record time with the help of Ken Stuart and Brian Matychuk who set speed records for production as usual, Brian while dealing with the somewhat challenging Sask Credit Unions Annual Report. It looked like we might not make it back as the skies were looking a bit sketchy - but thanks to some pro flying from Perimeter Airlines we were back to Winnipeg by 9 pm.

Tomorrow it's off to Saskatoon.

A lovely letter.

Bowling for Big Brothers Big Sisters

The Picante crew of Laura, Kathryne and Amanda (just back from her honeymoon) was joined by Lori from Elemental and loyal spouse Allan, to participate in Bowl for a Kid's Sake for Big Brothers Big Sisters. We raised over $900 for this important organization who do so much for kids in Winnipeg. We had an awesome time and proudly wore our Just Slow Down T-shirts to keep promoting this important initiative.

Thanks to all who donated. We really do appreciate your support.

Just Slow Down

On February 13th we were part of the exciting launch of Just Slow Down, the new Winnipeg Police Service speed reduction campaign. I will be adding photos here asap.

After tremendous media interest at the 11 am launch, Staff Sergeant Mark Hodgson, paramedic Dan Herzog and courageous parent Rick Piana were guests with Charles Adler on Adler online. Then on the following Tuesday, Mark and Rick joined Mayor Sam Katz on CFRW's Talk to the Mayor show.

We were thrilled when the WREA donated their electronic readerboard on Portage Avenue to the Just Slow Down campaign and then John Hoeschen from Zero Din offered up the electronic sign at the Winnipeg Winter Club. Bus tails began appearing at the beginning of the week and the tv spots are running. Anyone interested should check out http://www.justslowdown.ca/.

Can't say enough about the support from Elemental Motion Media and the great job done, as usual, by Energy Productions.

Amanda's long-awaited wedding.

The whole Picante crew ( and Denise of course)were treated to Amanda and Jeff's wonderful wedding. Amanda, our incredible art director, has been planning this wing ding for 2 1/2 years and it was worth the wait! The bride looked amazing! The groom, debonair and charming as always. The bride and her father performed an unbelievable song and dance number. And the whole Picante crew danced the night away. Amanda and Jeff are off to their honeymoon on the Mayan Riviera and we are going to do our best to get along without her. Cheers to Cherrie for stepping up to the plate and working a mile a minute to keep up. Take a breath from time to time ok Cherrie?!

New Winnipeg Police Service campaign

Thursday and Friday this week were devoted to the creation of new television spots and webisodes for the Winnipeg Police Service. Our crew was privileged to meet a number of caring and concerned Winnipeg Police Officers...thank you Mark, Brian, Sandra and Russ, Winnipeg Paramedics...thank you Jana, Tristan and Dan and concerned members of the public who had experienced traumatic events in their lives. Rick, Kayla, Jan and Eppie shared details of their often tragic stories and we extend our deepest thanks for their courage and our heartfelt sorrow for their loss.

With a rather elaborate 4 camera set up at Midcan and dedicated crew, Keith, Don, Conroy, Denise, Aleisha, Sami, Shaun and yours truly, we believe we have the makings of an incredible, effective campaign.

It will launch on February 13th and we'll post more details as they become available.

Thanks again to Mark and the members of the Winnipeg Police Service who have put their trust in us, James, Kerry, Randy and Steve.

And thanks Kelly at Midcan for the pics.