The “Port” will be a house – which will provide a safe, supportive, affordable, home-like environment and haven for people who are in the centre of a “Storm”.
Josh Krieser’s CD
Josh's CD in memory of his mother, Sue Leslie, raises money for A Port in the Storm.
Sue was a young woman whose dying wish was to have a house built for people like her. The music playing from Josh’s CD is an instrumental version by Minnedosa musician, Fred Scott, of Josh’s song “Mommy’s Valentine”. Please go to current fundraisers page for details on how to purchase Josh’s CD.
Are you committed to "making a difference"? Are you enthusiastic, reliable, and responsible? Are you willing to
work as a team player, be respectful, and maintain confidentiality?
Patients from rural and northern Manitoba with cancer and other acute or chronic illnesses often require medical treatments in Winnipeg.
A Port in the Storm Inc. was founded by two oncology nurses, Joanne Loughery, Patricia Benjaminson, and a patient
volunteer, Greg Pilgrim. They recognized the need of rural and northern adult patients to stay in a home-like environment while receiving medical care in Winnipeg.
An Inspirational Story
Joanne Loughery, the President of A Port in the Storm Inc. shares a
story of inspiration that encouraged her and her partners to dedicate their time to establishing this charity:
A young single parent from rural Manitoba required a lengthy stay in Winnipeg to receive aggressive out-patient treatment
for a life-threatening illness. As there were no family or friends living in Winnipeg, arrangements were made to rent a
furnished apartment. The child was frightened by the parent’s illness and missed the extended family and friends when in
Winnipeg so the parent spent much time alone. During one conversation the young parent shared her dream: "The worst
part of my cancer experience was staying in that expensive apartment all alone. If I had one wish I would want a house
built in Winnipeg for people like me, similar to the Ronald McDonald House for children. I would call it my
"house of
hope”. Regrettably, this young patient did not live to accomplish this dream.
Joanne states, "I have been a nurse in the field of cancer for over 20 years. Receiving treatment for cancer or any life
threatening illness is a very trying experience for patients and their families. It creates enormous physical, emotional,
spiritual, and financial burdens. Over the years as an oncology nurse I have known this to be a very difficult
problem for many patients and have heard many similar stories. I have cared for endless numbers of patients from
rural Manitoba and housing is an enormous burden for them during this very stressful time."
Patients from rural and northern Manitoba with cancer and other acute or chronic illnesses often require medical treatments in Winnipeg.