Brian MacKinnon had a lot to say when he filled out the Urban Exchange survey on poverty this past spring. A retired high school teacher who spent 25 years working at R.B. Russell School on Dufferin Avenue, he’s learned about poverty from hundreds of students over the years.
“It was a huge privilege to teach the kids I taught. For them, life is more complicated. They taught me about the impact of addictions – the impact of boredom. My response was to help them bring themselves up, to celebrate their talents and abilities.”
As an English teacher, MacKinnon helped students compile three anthologies of their own writing. In the last several years, though, his focus has been on helping young people realize their potential through recreation. An avid fitness enthusiast, he started the R.B. Russell Downtown Y program and began providing free YMCA-YWCA memberships to as many students as he could.
One student in particular got the ball rolling. Her weight had increased significantly and her health was becoming a concern for her. She confided in MacKinnon that she wanted to go to the Y but couldn’t afford the cost of even a subsidized membership.
MacKinnon made it his personal mission to help that student with her Y membership. He also recognized an opportunity to help other students, knowing the positive impact that after-school activities, especially recreational activities, can have.
MacKinnon’s Downtown Y program provided free membership to more than 300 youth in its first year. Generous support from the Winnipeg Foundation, Winnipeg Free Press readers and local businesses helped him keep the program going. Since 2002, the initiative has provided free memberships to thousands of Winnipeg youth.
MacKinnon feels strongly about the causes and effects of poverty. He also believes that he can do something to make a difference. Urban Exchange appreciates his willingness to share his views on poverty – and his encouragement that we share his views with others.
For more information, here’s a link to a 2005 Winnipeg Free Press story about Brian MacKinnon and the Downtown Y program.
January 23rd, 2010 at 11:43 pm
Hello,
Many people simply talk the talk. Brian MacKinnon is a brilliant shining star of hope for those who require and benefit from his vision. He most definitely walks the walk.
It is one thing to put forth ideas which claim will assist the impoverished in our community. It is an altogether different initiative to teach the impoverished to desire to learn how to fish so they can eat for a life time. Helping the young to embrace the possibility of change by wanting it; needing it won’t cut. Embracing this mindset is a blessing from above.
Self esteem can move mountains and Brian teaches students they can access this wonderful state. The kids are also aware self esteem does not come delivered on ones plate for free.
As the old expression states; “God provides food for the birds however he does not place the food in their nest.”
The Y Not program has been a blessing for thousands of inner city kids.
It not only gives them a place to go where they generally experienced a positive return. It assists in relieving boredom. Boredom is one of the first indicators of trouble ahead on the horizon.
Brian has the same soul set as the late Rev.Harry Lehotsky [1957-2006 ]
Both these men instinctively knew what works and what didn’t.
Our city is better off as a result of these mens compassion and wisdom.
Thanks to both of them.
Sincerely,
Hart Peikoff