This holiday season our union will not be sending holiday greeting cards. We will be donating the equivalent amount spent on cards and postage to the Siloam Mission. This organization provides food and shelter to the poor and homeless. Our donation will provide a meal to approximately 300 people this season. Hopefully we will be able to help other charities and community groups throughout the province in years to come through this practice.

This has been a very exciting and challenging year. There have been significant changes within the organization at all levels. While dealing with these changes we have accomplished a great deal. We continue to thrive as an organization and to enjoy the support of the public.

On a personal note thank you very much for your encouragement and support in the past few months as I assumed my role as President of the MNU. It has been a wonderful experience to travel our province to meet MNU members in all work environments and to learn from them. I continue to marvel at the dedication of nurses in our union who deliver quality care in all kinds of situations.

The coming year will also  be challenging as we deal with an ongoing nursing shortage and bargaining in a volatile world economy. I know we are up to that challenge and we will continue to ensure that Manitoba’s nurses are truly valued.

Thanks again and I hope that you and yours have a healthy and happy holiday season,

Sincerely,

Sandi Mowat
President, Manitoba Nurses' Union