Picture: Back row: Kimberly Dudek (Vice-Principal), Christine Clarke (Donwood School Parent Advisory Council member), Jodi Rahn (Donwood School Parent Advisory Council member), Nicholas Rawluk (President & CEO of ONE Insurance) Front Row: Students from Donwood School.
Winnipeg, Manitoba – ONE Insurance is proud to support Donwood School’s mission to build a fully accessible, inclusive play structure that ensures every child—regardless of ability—can participate in play, connection, and community life.
As part of our Because We Care initiative, ONE Insurance President & CEO Nicholas Rawluk visited Donwood School to present a $2,500 donation toward their ambitious playground redevelopment project. During his visit, Nick met with staff to learn more about their efforts, celebrated the students’ progress, and even joined in by helping colour in the school’s fundraising goal chart—a moment that energized students and highlighted how close they truly are to achieving their dream.
For Donwood School, this project is about far more than equipment. It represents equity, belonging, and healthy development for a diverse student population—50% of whom are self‑identified Indigenous, along with many newcomer families who have joined the community within the last two years. The school serves as an important neighbourhood hub, bordered by affordable housing and home to an onsite daycare and a thriving German bilingual program.
“This project began the day my own child came home with ripped pants after sliding on equipment that had been poorly patched,” shared Jodi Rahn, Donwood parent leading the initiative. “Later, I watched as two children with physical limitations were left on the sidelines during recess because they couldn’t access the play area. Pea gravel, rotting beams, and outdated equipment simply no longer meet the needs of our community. We knew something had to change.”
The team quickly mobilized—gathering quotes, applying for grants, meeting with their city councillor, and launching a community‑wide fundraising campaign. Their target is $50,000 by March 2026, which will unlock additional City of Winnipeg support. With ONE Insurance’s donation, they are now within just $15,000 of their goal.
This playground is especially important because a few years ago, the local community wading pool—once a gathering place for neighbourhood families—was removed and never replaced. The new play structure will restore a vital gathering space, offering safe, accessible, year‑round recreation for children and families who rely on it most.
“At ONE Insurance, we believe that strong communities begin with safe, inclusive spaces,” said Nicholas Rawluk. “Donwood School’s project reflects exactly what our Because We Care program stands for—reducing barriers, improving wellbeing, and creating opportunities for every child to thrive.”
How to Support the Project
Community members wishing to donate can do so through the school office.
- Cheques payable to: Donwood PAC (re: play structure)
- Mail or drop‑off location: 400 Donwood Drive, Winnipeg, MB R2G 0X4
(Note: The school division is unable to accept e‑transfers.)
ONE Insurance is proud to stand alongside Donwood School as they work to eliminate barriers to play and set a new standard for inclusive community design.
Because We Care – Because we care about our customers, employees, and the communities we operate in, we created the Because We Care Initiative. Through this initiative we donate annually to communities we operate in and around. This initiative allows us to contribute to individual, and community causes as well as larger community projects. For more information about the BWC Initiative, visit our website www.oneinsurance.ca/because-we-care/
