Riverview Health Centre Foundation (2026)

27/03/2026

There's an iron lung sitting inside Riverview's Heritage Museum, and rumour has it, it still works!

That's just one of the fascinating artifacts waiting to be discovered, tucked inside the Princess Elizabeth Administration Building. From a ceremonial shovel used to break ground to antique china stamped with the original hospital crest to vintage medical textbooks, every piece tells part of a story that began in 1911.

A lot has changed since then. But Riverview's commitment to putting residents and patients first never has.

Stop by and see for yourself! You might be surprised by what you discover.

25/03/2026

A figure skater. A business owner. An artist. When they moved to Riverview, life stayed vibrant and full.

That's what the Therapeutic Recreation team wanted the world to see. So they grabbed their cameras and started filming.

Their documentary, A New Beginning, explores residents' rich personal histories and their full lives today. Andre, creating kaleidoscopic artwork that fills the halls. Carol, back on the ice with her son and grandson, offering tips as they skate together. Others tending to gardens, heading out for lunch around town, playing pinball with friends.

Their days are full, chosen, and theirs. And many of the programs and events that fill those days are made possible by you, our generous donors.

Candice, Stephen, and Brittany premiered their film at the Park Theatre last winter, but if you missed it, don't worry. You can watch it on YouTube or on the Riverview homepage and see what your generosity makes possible.

See it here: https://loom.ly/fOjKmM0

23/03/2026

Want to get a mid-range bike ride in while doing some good? The 20 km route at Cycle on Life is a great option.

It’s ideal for novice to intermediate riders who want a bit more distance while still enjoying the day.

Before and after the ride, spend some time on the Riverview grounds connecting with residents, fellow riders, volunteers, and families who make the day so special.

Ride at your own pace, take in the views, and know that every kilometre helps support care and comfort for residents at Riverview.

Registration is open. Sign up today! 🚲 https://loom.ly/Q8fvY1g

21/03/2026

Two hours disappeared one afternoon, in the best way possible. 🍀

Katherine, a therapeutic recreational facilitator at Riverview, hosted a spring ladies' brunch for residents in honour of St. Patrick's Day. She set the table to make it feel like somewhere special.

They gathered around reminiscing about spring. They talked about things they used to do when the weather turned, the routines they look forward to, what they love about the season. Then came St. Patrick's Day trivia and stories that led to more stories.

"Before we knew it, two hours had passed," said Katherine. "That's what happens when we all get together. There's always lots to talk about."

It was one of many St. Patrick's Day celebrations this month at the centre. There were musical performances, treats, and gatherings. Moments that remind everyone there's always something to look forward to, all made possible by your support of the Riverview Health Centre Foundation.

18/03/2026

It's never been easier to make a tribute gift.

With just a few clicks, you can make a donation in someone's memory and send a beautiful digital card to let their loved ones know. No postage. No waste. Just a meaningful tribute and more of your gift going directly to care at Riverview Health Centre.

The e-cards feature art inspired by the grounds surrounding the centre. The same trees, paths, and gardens that residents and patients have walked through for generations.

A simple way to honour someone. And to help others in their name.

Make your gift today: https://loom.ly/SM3SMz4

16/03/2026

A bike ride is only part of what makes Cycle on Life special. Families gather, kids make a beeline for the activity tent, and parents connect over coffee.

It's also a chance to meet the residents who call Riverview home and see how the funds you raise make a real difference in their everyday.

When it's time to hit the trail, many families take the 5 km route. It's scenic and flat, perfect for little legs, parents with trailers, or anyone who wants to enjoy the day at their own pace.

Afterward, the fun continues on the Riverview grounds. Food and music. Conversation and connection. A time to relax with residents, other participants, and neighbours before heading home. Join us Sunday, June 14. Registration is open.

Sign up today: https://loom.ly/Q8fvY1g

13/03/2026

Victoria beat cancer for the second time last year. She remembers the blue gowns. The waiting rooms. The fear that comes with not knowing what's next.

But her experience being treated as a person and not a number only reinforced what she's always believed: care for every resident and patient as you would your own family.

She learned it first as a Health Care Aide at 18, a role she still calls her favourite. Later, strong mentors saw leadership potential in her and encouraged her to step forward.

Those mentors, and 35 years of experience in healthcare, taught her that leadership means bringing all of who you are to the table. The young woman who questioned her abilities and learned how strong she really was. The mother who gave everything to her children and discovered her own need for care. The wife who draws strength from her marriage. The two-time cancer survivor who knows what grace feels like when you it need it most.

All of it shapes how she leads. As Director of Resident Care and Allied Health at Riverview, she knows staff and residents are showing up with their own private struggles. That's why compassion and grace aren't soft or feminine skills -- they're what makes leadership work.

But she still believes that when it comes to being a leader and finding yourself in your career, showing up as authentically you is paramount.

"Don’t feel like you need to change who you are to meet someone else’s expectations. Be unapologetically you, and find places where you fit without having to compromise who you are. Never be scared to question things that didn’t seem right or just. You might not fit everywhere, but that’s ok. You need to find the place that fits you because that’s where the happiness lies."

12/03/2026

Her mother was a nurse who loved her work. That's what drew Leanne to nursing, not leadership. Leadership found her.

Early in her career, strong mentors helped her see potential she hadn’t yet imagined. They encouraged her to pursue becoming a leader and laid out clear steps.

She recalls how one mentor pushed her, encouraging her to apply for a Director role when she was in her favourite job. Her words stayed with Leanne: “Of course it’s your favourite. That’s because you can do it blindfolded with both hands tied behind your back. It’s time to move up.” While no management job is easy, Leanne acknowledges that her former manager knew she was ready for a new challenge.

Those mentors recognized her strengths, pushed her gently, and helped her take risks she might not have taken on her own.

Today, as Chief Nursing Officer at Riverview Health Centre, Leanne leads the way she was led. She spots potential, encourages growth, and guides others just beyond their comfort zones because that's where real learning happens. Her greatest sense of purpose comes from one-on-one conversations where she can mentor someone and help them find their path.

Her advice to the next generation of women in healthcare is simple but powerful: “Really get to know yourself: your values, your strengths, the things you need to work on. The best leaders are in tune with their values and authentically aligned with them. And learn self-compassion. How you are as a person is how you will lead.”

11/03/2026

Jackie's mom was in healthcare leadership. Growing up, she saw what it took: the dedication, the careful decisions, the privilege and pressure of knowing your work affects an entire community.

Those early lessons stayed with Jackie.

Today, as Chief Financial Officer at Riverview, her work happens mostly behind the scenes. Budgets. Forecasts. Planning that stretches months ahead. But she knows that thoughtful financial leadership is what allows the care team to show up and do their work every day.

She's learned that strength and empathy don't have to be separate. That you can make confident decisions while never losing sight of the people impacted by them. That sometimes the best thing a leader can do is step back, listen, and think carefully before acting.

It's a quieter kind of leadership. The kind that creates space for others to do what they do best.

Her advice to women considering leadership in healthcare? "Be intentional about your growth and don't be afraid to be ambitious. Healthcare needs thoughtful, compassionate and capable leaders who are willing to help drive change. And recognize that strength and empathy can (and should!) exist together."

10/03/2026

Stephanie Bevacqua is the Executive Director of the Riverview Health Centre Foundation, where she is dedicated to making life better for residents, patients, and families at Riverview.

Stephanie started in the nonprofit space at 16, working with the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Manitoba. What hooked her was the people. Knowing she was making a difference and being able to see it.

She began her career running support groups and working closely with individuals living with chronic illness. She also volunteered as a Big Sister for many years, watching her little sisters grow and seeing firsthand what happens when someone feels truly supported.

Early on, she was led by a woman who changed the way she saw herself. This woman was a leader in her field, strong, and incredibly smart. One day, that director sat across from her and said, "I see you in a role like mine."

The moment stayed with her. It made her think bigger about what she was capable of.

She moved into fundraising because the programs she cared about needed funding. Along the way, she realized she loved the work itself. Loved being able to make things happen. Loved turning ideas into reality for the people in her community.

What she learned from people in vulnerable moments is this: feeling alone is hard. We need each other. That lesson shapes how she leads today as Executive Director of Riverview Health Centre Foundation. She listens. She looks for ways to make life better. She believes in trying new things, and if they don't work, trying differently next time.

As a woman in leadership, she's been underestimated. But she's also worked alongside strong female leaders who helped her find her voice and use it.

Her advice to the next generation - "Don't let someone else's doubt hold you back. Be strong. Be confident. You can and will accomplish what you put your mind to."

Bringing together her two favourite worlds — fundraising and programming — is deeply meaningful. The impact on residents and patients at Riverview is what drives Stephanie every single day.

09/03/2026

Sina is grateful for those who helped guide her. Now she strives to be that person for others.

As Chief Human Resources Officer, her work focuses on supporting the staff who care for patients and residents each day. She sees firsthand how thoughtful decisions can shape someone’s shift, someone’s experience, someone’s care.

“What I find most rewarding is seeing the impact of decisions, policies, and programs on people’s daily lives,” she says. "Whether for frontline staff or those receiving care."

Throughout her career, she's worked alongside strong female leaders who encouraged her to speak up, make difficult decisions, and challenge the status quo when needed. They also showed her that leadership and compassion are not separate things. It's something she carries with her in every role she holds.

At home, Sina is a mother of two. Early on, a mentor once told her, “You’re a mom first.” That stayed with her. It reminds her to lead with balance and recognize that everyone carries responsibilities beyond work.

Her advice to the next generation of women considering leadership in healthcare is simple: "Be brave, speak up, never forget your compassion, you can’t do it alone, build your networks and relationships, your voice matters even when it feels uncomfortable. Always look to lift others up as you advance."

08/03/2026

Kathleen Klaasen started at Riverview Health Centre as a healthcare aide. Today, she's the centre's first female CEO.

Her office is in the Princess Elizabeth building. It's the same building where she once worked as an Health Care Aide in palliative care while in college for nursing. The surroundings were different then, but the care never wavered. It was there she learned that environment matters, but compassion matters more.

She carried those lessons with her. As a nurse, then a clinical nurse specialist, then a senior health leader across Manitoba. She never forgot what it felt like to work at the bedside, to see patients and residents as people first.

When the opportunity came to return to Riverview as CEO, she knew exactly why she wanted to lead here: to honour the voice and choice of every resident and patient, and to empower others to make the biggest positive impact they can.

She leads the way she was led -- by strong women who showed her what was possible. A grandmother who believed fiercely in education. An aunt whose skill and steady care as a nurse left a lasting mark on her rural community. Mentors who encouraged her to step forward. Their example is something she now passes on.

Her approach to leadership is simple: stay close to the work, stay curious, and stay human. She believes people lead best when they listen well, make space for others to shine, and never lose sight of why they came into healthcare in the first place.

For those stepping into leadership roles, she offers this: trust your values, trust your team, and trust that you don’t need to have every answer to make a meaningful difference. “The work is too important to do alone,” she says. “Lean on the people around you — and let them lean on you.”

Kathleen's journey is a reminder that leadership grows from experience, integrity, and the willingness to keep learning.

Riverview Health Centre Foundation

27/03/2026

25/03/2026

23/03/2026

21/03/2026

18/03/2026

16/03/2026

13/03/2026

12/03/2026

11/03/2026

10/03/2026

09/03/2026

08/03/2026

Address

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Shortcuts

Share