Scavenger Hunt Winners

Several Military Family Resource Centres (MFRCs) tied, scoring 100%, on the MFRC Board Orientation and Training Kit Scavenger Hunt contest. The prize winners were therefore determined by a draw. Click here for more information.

Raising the Roof on Fundraising

On October 27th, the Valcartier Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) held its “Criée d’automne” (fall auction), an event that was honoured by the presence of the Right Honourable Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada. Taking place every two years, this is the largest fundraiser organized by the Valcartier MFRC. Over 570 people from the business sector as well as the military world attended the fourth benefit, which allowed the Valcartier MFRC to raise over $186,000.

Paul Côté (spouse of Marie-Claude Michaud), Marie-Claude Michaud (Executive Director, Valcartier MFRC), the Right Honourable Stephen Harper and Luc Girard, DMFS Field Operations Manager.

The New Faces at DMFS

BARB BRAGG - FIELD OPERATIONS MANAGER

Originally from Flin Flon, MB, Barb currently resides in Brandon, MB with life pit stops along the way in Northern Ontario, Australia, Winnipeg, Lethbridge, Vancouver and Toronto.

After achieving a Physical Education Degree from the University of Manitoba, Barb started her career in Toronto as Physical Education Director of the Metro Toronto YMCA.  She subsequently developed a passion for community development and the Family Resource Movement and moved into a leadership role with the YMCA developing family resource centres for the YMCA.  Following 11 years with the YMCA, and the birth of four children, she and her husband moved to Brandon in 1989.

With the move to Brandon came a new career in technology.  She began working in the retail sector and quickly was overcome with an entrepreneurial spirit which led to part ownership of a large retail computer outlet in Brandon.  She went on her own in 1996 with the establishment of a community based centre for life long learning.

Throughout this period of building her business, Barb continued her community work as a volunteer, sitting on many diverse local boards of directors such as the YWCA, Regional Health Authority, Brandon University, Chamber of Commerce, United Way and Manitoba Smart Network, among others.  As well, Barb provided leadership nationally with 8 years on the Canadian Association of Family Resource Programs (4 as President), and 2 years on the Canadian Child Care Federation Board.  Barb was honoured with the YWCA Woman of Distinction Award in 1999, the 2002 Woman Entrepreneur of the Year for Manitoba and more recently, the Queen’s Jubilee Medal for her work with the Canadian Association of Family Resource Programs.

Barb is extremely excited to be entering a new phase in life which is giving her an opportunity to combine all aspects of her diverse career with her passion for family support and community development.  

JACKIE CARLÉ – FIELD OPERATIONS MANAGER

Jackie moved to Canada from the UK as a teenager and her family settled in British Columbia.  Jackie received her degree from the University of Victoria where she met her husband, Kevin.  He joined the Navy and after 27 years of marriage and two children, they are delighted to be making their way back to the west coast to stay!

Jackie has over 10 years of experience with the Military Family Services Program.    While on the east coast, she worked at the Shearwater MFRC.  She has her credentials in Board Governance training and has facilitated Board training sessions at various MFRCs and other not for profit agencies.  Jackie worked for several years as the Human Resources and Program Director; Director of Development; and Volunteer Coordinator at the Union Mission, a shelter for Homeless men in Ottawa.   Prior to their recent posting to Poland, Jackie worked for Internal Audit & Review (CFPSA) conducting program audits of MFRCs across the country.  While in Warsaw she undertook projects relating the CMFRCs in Europe as well as contract work with Centrepointe-Europe.  Recently, Jackie developed an updated audit tool for DMFS and for the past year has conducted audits at MFRCs across Canada.

Jackie is enthusiastic about military family services and delighted to continue to be part of this evolving and dynamic program.