Big Brothers Big Sisters of Winnipeg is proud that two of our own have been presented the Manitoba 150 Honour Medal. Andrew Stambrook is an alumni having served on our Board of Directors and as mentor. Amy Tung is a current mentor from of our In-School Mentoring Program. Both are pillars in the community who demonstrate generosity and compassion through their extensive volunteerism. Congratulations Amy and Andrew!
Honour 150 presented by Canada Life, recognizes 150 people from across the province who stand out for their role in making Manitoba such an amazing province.
Nominated by people in their own communities in 2020, these 150 individuals range from teenage to centenarians, and represent the diversity of our province. With volunteer engagements ranging from the arts to environment, from health to education, these 150 Manitobans make our province exceptional.
Honourees receive a commemorative medal designed and created by Manitoba artist Takashi Iwasaki.
Andrew Stambrook
Breaking the barriers of stigma around mental health
Written by Red River College student: Owen Black
It’s not unusual for Andrew Stambrook to be making his way around an elementary school in Winnipeg, despite graduating decades ago.
That’s because Stambrook volunteers with the Canadian Mental Health Association, sharing his mental health journey with students.
By speaking to children, Stambrook is breaking down the barriers surrounding mental health. He didn’t plan on becoming a mental health advocate, but after he began speaking to youth about his journey, he realized the impact of sharing his story.
“It’s all about trying to decrease that stigma as much as possible. It’s one of those things that’s non-discriminatory; it affects everyone” said Stambrook. “Once I was diagnosed with depression, I just decided I was going to be as open and positive with it as much as possible.”
He has been volunteering with Canadian Mental Health Association for four years, but his work with youth goes back nearly three decades.
Stambrook mentored youth through the Big Brothers program for seven years. There he mentored three children, found great success at making connections and eventually served on its Board of Directors.
“To be able to impart some wisdom or expertise or skill to someone else who is coming from a single family unit – through that experience I ended up getting so much back. The more you give out, the more you get back.”
Amy Tung
Creator of I Am Love Project
Written by Red River College student: Nicole Brownlee
Amy Tung knows how to hustle. Within almost two years, Tung has already founded a social enterprise, helped raise over $45,000 for local charities, and united Manitobans through her annual Power of a Dollar campaign.
While volunteering for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Winnipeg and West Broadway Youth Outreach, Tung realized local charities were not getting the support they deserved. Tung responded by creating the I Am Love Project to connect with the community and raise money to support Winnipeg’s non-profits.
“It doesn’t matter how many people come to the event or the big difference you want to make in the world, as long as you can make a difference in someone’s life– that one person creates a chain effect,” says Tung.
I Am Love Project sells hand-made intention bracelets and hosts mind and body pop up events, with proceeds going to a charity to help the community. The bracelets represent a cycle of self-love contributing to caring and helping others, known as the chain of love, and students from across Winnipeg make the bracelets alongside Tung.
“When one person is healthy and gets to share their story or their healing journey […] with someone else who is going through the same thing, that’s when the chain of love begins,” says Tung.
Tung’s wellness events combine mind, body, and spirit by mixing exercise with meaningful discussions about mental wellness, support, and success to ensure each person understands their worth and power to help others.