Social Planning Council of Winnipeg

 Wayne Helgason, Executive Director

Wayne Helgason is currently the Executive Director of the very active and ever-expanding Social Planning Council of Winnipeg, a position he has held since 1994. One of his goals for SPC is to broaden its partnership base among its many stakeholders. Action-oriented research and support for community groups are key priorities. Prior to joining the Social Planning Council, he served as the Executive Director of Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre, an innovative Aboriginal child welfare agency. Other past employers include Northwest Child & Family Services, Child and Family Services of Winnipeg, and other human services organizations.

Wayne can be reached at (204) 943-2561, ext. 224  
or by  Email

Donna Downie, Office Manager

Donna is the Social Planning Council of Winnipeg's book keeper and office manager.  She is responsible for managing and maintaining financial records for the Social Planning Council and all associated projects and initiatives.  Donna has been with the Social Planning Council since 1976 and is the cornerstone of the organization.  Donna is the staff person assigned to the Executive Committee.

Donna can be reached at (204) 943-2561, ext. 232
or by Email.

Viktoria Westgate, Project Staff

Viktoria Westgate first came to the Social Planning Council in September 2004 as a University of Manitoba social work student. Viktoria officially joined the SPC staff in April 2005 working with the Committee for the Elimination of Racism & Discrimination, the Environment Committee, the Well being in the Workplace Committee and the Population Health Promotion Partnership.  Viktoria is currently the Winnipeg Homeless Individuals and Families Information System (HIFIS) Community Coordinator.
Viktoria can be reached at (204)510-2144
or by Email.

Donald Benham, Senior Associate

Donald is the newest staff member of the Social Planning Council of Winnipeg.  Donald was a two term Winnipeg City Councillor and has a wealth of social policy experience and a well defined social justice perspective.  Donald staffs the Poverty Advisory Committee, Committee for the Elimination of Rcism and Discrimination, and is involved in the Make Poverty History Manitoba coalition.  

Donald can be reached at (204) 943-2561, ext. 221
or my Email.

Rhonda Powers, Communications Coordinator

Rhonda is the Communications Coordinator for the Social Planning Council of Winnipeg.  She is responsible for internal and external communications, including media relations and event planning.

Rhonda can be reached at (204) 943-2561, ext. 230
or by Email.

Kayla is the Administrative Assistant for the organization and she helps to facilitate the running of the physical plant. Kayla is the staff member for membership services, event planning as well as the Board of Directors. Kayla should be contacted if you have any questions related to your membership, events we are hosting of if  you are unsure who you should speak to.

Kayla may be reached at (204) 943-2561, ext. 229
or by Email.