FortWhyte Alive is opening its doors to children from Rossbrook House and IRCOM to show the beauty of a Manitoba winter.

On February 6, 100 children from Rossbrook House and the Immigrant & Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba (IRCOM) will make their way to the recreation landmark to make friends and enjoy the great outdoors, as part of FortWhyte Alive's "Cold city, warm hearts" initiative.

"FortWhyte Alive is committed to providing an accessible space for everyone to create memorable experiences in the natural world. Outdoor play in a safe winter environment is a cornerstone of those memories, and we're delighted to be able to offer a place where those adventures can happen," says Liz Wilson, FortWhyte Alive President & CEO. "We couldn't be more pleased to continue our partnership with Rossbrook House and IRCOM and help create an opportunity for kids to be themselves and celebrate our fabulous Canadian winter at the same time."

Rossbrook House is a drop-in centre dedicated to assisting inner-city youth with resources for play and connecting.

IRCOM offers affordable housing and welcoming programs to immigrants and refugees who find themselves in Manitoba. 

"Relationship building through land-based activities and play; fosters and strengthens our community connections," says Rossbrook House Executive Director Patty Mainville. "There is plenty of both when children from Rossbrook House and IRCOM get together for an evening of fun-filled, outdoor, winter experiences at Fort Whyte Alive."

Rossbrook House and IRCOM's after-school program will send 100 elementary school-age children to FortWhyte Alive so they can experience baking Bannock over a fire, Arctic games, snowshoeing and tobogganing.

"We are so happy to reconnect with our good friends at Rossbrook House and the amazing team at FortWhyte Alive. This wonderful event of coming together through outdoor play and cultural connection means a lot to our newcomer children and youth who love this joyful, fun event," says Shereen Denetto, IRCOM Executive Director.

Staff and volunteers are excited for this event to take place on February 6, beginning at 5:30 p.m. and ending at 7:30 p.m.