Scott Oake is used to hob-nobbing with famous hockey players, but goodwill from a Hollywood superstar has him feeling starstruck.
The longtime Winnipeg sports broadcaster shared an Ottawa stage with actor Ryan Reynolds on Canada Day as the two were among 88 inducted into the Order of Canada.
The two spoke briefly about the Bruce Oake Recovery Centre, named after Oake’s son, who struggled with addiction and died of an overdose at 25 in 2011, along with the planned Anne Oake Family Recovery Centre, named after his wife, who died in 2021 of an autoimmune liver disease at 65.
Oake said the Vancouver actor made a donation to the Bruce and Anne Oake Memorial Foundation the day before the ceremony, and they spoke on the phone Monday about how he could offer further support.
On Tuesday morning, the Deadpool star sent along a video of him cracking jokes but also sharing an important message, calling Canada’s drug crisis the “single greatest peace time problem this country has ever faced” and commending Oake’s commitment to fight it.
“I’m really proud to know Scott Oake, I think he’s an incredible example of Canadian grit and determination and moving through grief in a way that has a positive outcome for other people,” he said in the video posted to Oake’s social media.
“I think it’s just a beautiful cause, and I’m proud to support the Bruce and Anne Oake foundation, and I hope you’ll consider doing the same.”
Oake said Reynolds was well-informed on the work they were doing when they spoke, and they had discussed him creating a video to promote the foundation.
He described Reynolds as a “generous, solid, down-to-earth guy.”
“This came in, and we were stunned … we couldn’t believe it, he spent a lot of time shooting that, editing it,” he said. “It was amazing.”
Oake was one of four Manitoba recipients of the Order of Canada announced in December, joining Free Press faith columnist John Longhurst, disability rights activist Oly Backstrom and veterinarian Ken Mould.
He joked that the honour and ensuing ceremony was “enough to make you feel like a fraud.”
“I’m always kind of embarrassed when people are willing to heap credit on me and the family — we weren’t innocent bystanders, put it that way, but it’s a lot of people who have got Bruce Oake open and running the beautiful way it is, and will do the same for the Anne Oake Recovery Centre,” he said.
“That’s why I like to say, this Order of Canada is for everyone in the recovery community.”
In April, the province announced it would invest $1.5 million into the creation of the Anne Oake centre, which will provide treatment for women struggling with addiction.
It is an extra special Canada Day for Sportsnet’s Scott Oake.
The longtime broadcaster received the Order of Canada, which highlights those who have made lasting impacts on their communities, from Gov. Gen. Mary Simon during a ceremony on Tuesday.
“Members of the Order of Canada are builders of hope for a better future. Each in their own way, they broaden the realm of possibilities and inspire others to continue pushing its boundaries,” Simon said in a statement.
Oake, who was born in Sydney, N.S., has appeared on national hockey broadcasts since 1989, when he was hired by Hockey Night in Canada. He currently serves as host of Sportsnet’s After Hours on Saturday nights.
Outside of the rink, Oake co-founded the Bruce Oake Recovery Centre in Winnipeg, which serves as an addiction treatment facility in honour of his late son Bruce, who passed away of a heroin overdose at age 25.
Other appointees to the Order of Canada included actor and Wrexham AFC owner Ryan Reynolds, football player-turned-doctor Laurent Duvernay-Tardif and curling superstar Kevin Martin.
–with files from The Canadian Press
SOURCE: Longtime Sportsnet broadcaster Scott Oake receives Order of Canada
For Immediate Release
Date: September 10, 2024
Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Anne Oake Family Recovery Centre Marks a Major Milestone in Recovery Services for Women and Children.
Winnipeg, MB – The Bruce and Anne Oake Memorial Foundation is proud to announce the groundbreaking of the Anne Oake Family Recovery Centre, an innovative facility that will provide essential recovery services for women and their children. The ceremony, held today on land located on Snow Street, signifies a critical step toward expanding Manitoba’s recovery resources for families impacted by addiction.
The Anne Oake Family Recovery Centre is modeled after the Bruce Oake Recovery Centre and will be dedicated to offering women the chance to heal while keeping their families together. With a commitment to supporting recovery through family-centered care, the centre will provide a safe environment for both mothers and their children.
Ron MacLean hosted the event, joined by Premier Wab Kinew, Scott Oake, President of the Bruce and Anne Oake Memorial Foundation, and the newly announced Capital Campaign Co Chairs, Mrs. Bonnie Buhler, The Honourable Gary Doer, OM, and Josh Morrissey of the Winnipeg Jets.
In his remarks, Scott Oake expressed gratitude for the community's support and the importance of this next step:
"Today’s groundbreaking is the realization of a long-held dream to offer vital recovery services to women and their children. This centre will provide a safe and supportive environment where families can heal together. We are deeply grateful for the community’s belief in this vision and the support that has made this possible."
Premier Wab Kinew spoke on behalf of the Province of Manitoba, emphasizing the government’s commitment to supporting mental health and recovery services in the province:
"Our government, like all Manitobans, wants folks with addictions to get the help they need to live happy, healthy and fulfilling lives. We’re glad to partner with the Oake family to support their vision for the Anne Oake Family Recovery Centre, allowing women to pursue recovery while staying with their children. Along with a new Victoria ER and re-opened Mature Women’s Centre, this centre is a great fit with our overall vision for the Victoria campus and will provide much needed supports for families."
The Foundation also announced the leadership of the Capital Campaign to ensure the centre’s success. The campaign will be led by Mrs. Bonnie Buhler, The Honourable Gary Doer, OM, and Josh Morrissey.
Honourable Gary Doer, former Premier of Manitoba, shared the importance of this initiative:
"This is about more than building a centre—it’s about creating hope and opportunities for recovery for Manitoba families. We look forward to working with the community to bring this vision to life."
Josh Morrissey, reflecting on his role, said:
"I’m honored to be a part of this meaningful project that will provide essential services to families in need. The Anne Oake Family Recovery Centre will have a lasting impact on our community."
The Anne Oake Family Recovery Centre will provide residential recovery services tailored specifically to women and their children, offering vital programming and support for long-term recovery.
For more information about the Anne Oake Family Recovery Centre and how you can support this life-changing initiative, please visit www.bruceandanneoakefoundation.com or contact info@bruceandanneoakefdn.com.
The Bruce and Anne Oake Memorial Foundation was established to provide barrier-free access to recovery services in memory of Bruce and Anne Oake. The Foundation is committed to supporting individuals and families on their recovery journeys through the creation of community-focused recovery centers.
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Anne died in 2021 shortly after opening of Bruce Oake Recovery Centre, which she co-founded in memory of son.
She may be gone, but Anne Oake's passion for helping those struggling with addictions will live on in a planned recovery centre for women and families.
Two years after her death, her husband, Scott Oake, and staff at the Bruce Oake Recovery Centre announced plans this week for the Anne Oake Recovery Centre.
"The Oakes have done so much for the community," said Greg Kyllo, executive director of the Bruce Oake Recovery Centre, which opened in Winnipeg's Crestview neighbourhood in 2021, just weeks before Anne died.
Source: CBC News
A second Bruce Oake Recovery Centre is being built, but this recovery centre will be reserved for women. The facility will be in honour of Anne Oake who died in 2021.
Plans to open a new recovery centre for Manitobans battling addictions is now underway, but the focus of the new facility – named after the late Anne Oake – will be on women.
“The program is currently being written for the Anne Oake Family Recovery Centre with family very much a priority,” explained Scott Oake, opening women’s only addiction recovery centre in Winnipeg.
Sportscaster Scott Oake and his wife Anne started Bruce Oake Recovery Centre in 2021, a men’s only addictions treatment centre in memory of their late son, Bruce, who died in 2011 at the age of 25 due to an accidental drug overdose. Following Anne’s death two years ago, Scott — now fulfilling their goal of opening a centre in her honor.
Source: City News
A new women's addictions treatment facility could be coming to Winnipeg, in honour of a woman who helped increase access to addiction treatments in the city.
"It's relatively quick but there's a great need for it and we don’t want to waste any time,” said Scott Oake, who opened the Bruce Oak Recovery Centre with his late wife. "Women will come there to work on themselves and get healthy again and get back to their families, their loved ones, their jobs and society."
The centre will have a particular woman in mind when ground breaks.
It's being built in memory of Anne Oake - the mother of Bruce Oake and matriarch of the Bruce Oake Recovery Centre. Anne helped spearhead the men's centre and dreamed of establishing one for women.
Source: CTV News
