My Be Well Story – And the winners are…

Contest Winners to Inspire Community

The Manitoba Canola Growers Association (MCGA) announced the two winners of My Be Well Story contest that launched earlier this year.

The contest was open nation–wide with one winner chosen from Manitoba and one from the national entrants. Curtis McRae, a farmer from St. Andrews was selected as the Manitoba winner.

Mairlyn Smith, professional home economist from Toronto was the national winner. Both winners will receive a video prize package worth over $5000 that will capture their Be Well Story and give them the opportunity to inspire and motivate others.

My Be Well Story Contest

The contest received 61 entries. Ellen Pruden, Education and Promotion Manager with MCGA was happy with the amount of entries and impressed with the stories. “Everyone who was entered had incredible stories to tell, from different walks of life,” Pruden said.

“The MCGA strives to inspire and motivate our community,” Pruden explained. The contest was a search for stories that will continue to allow the MCGA to inspire their community. “The two winners have compelling and inspirational stories that we (MCGA) can’t wait to share with others.”

Manitoba Winner – Farmer Curtis McRae

McRae operates a mixed farm including cattle with his wife Nancy, and their three daughters in the Municipality of St. Andrews. He is the current vice president of Keystone Agriculture Producers (KAP) and a member of the KAP Manitoba Young Farmers Committee. “Not only am I very excited, but my family is thrilled,” Curtis said about winning the contest. “I hope that I am able to express the hardships, fun, excitement and passion involved in farming.” He also hopes to showcase his judo club, another great passion of his.

National Winner – Professional Home Economist Mairlyn Smith

Mairlyn Smith is a professional home economist, food writer, cookbook author and alumnus of the Second City Comedy Troupe. She has gained popularity as a TV and media food personality, often appearing CityLine and on City TV’s Breakfast Television shows across Canada. She describes her approach to cooking as “healthy cooking seasoned with laughter.” Smith loves the Be Well stories she’s seen and heard to date. “I am honoured and thrilled to be included along with the other Be Well story contributors,” she exclaimed after finding out she’d won.

Three local and successful Manitobans were present to launch the contest this winter with the screening of their own Be Well Story at the Park Theatre. Doug Chorney, Chef Mary Jane Feeke and Getty Stewart have been motivating others with their stories ever since (watch their stories below). McRae and Smith will get the opportunity to do the same when their stories are captured on film.