Another record-breaking year: Manitoba Blue Cross raises $122,000 for United Way Winnipeg
With employees participating both virtually and in-person, Manitoba Blue Cross raised a personal record-breaking $122,594 with company match for United Way Winnipeg this year.
“At a time when so many Manitobans are struggling with high inflation and skyrocketing prices, it’s incredible to see our employees step up and make this year our most successful yet,” said Michelle Aarts, chair of Manitoba Blue Cross’s campaign.
At the kickoff, employees heard from Danielle Giesbrecht, a volunteer at Thrive Community Support Circle, who spoke about the impact that United Way Winnipeg had in her life. Campaign members who toured Thrive in September also shared their takeaways and encouraged employees to gather food and clothing to donate to the non-profit's resource centre.
“Seeing the incredible supports that Thrive offers – from food kits to mental health services, job training to educational field trips, among many others – makes you realize how valuable these organizations are, and how impactful our donations to United Way can be,” says Aarts.
Throughout the week, Manitoba Blue Cross employees also participated in a pizza lunch, silent auction and Clue-inspired mystery game that required collaboration between those in the office and those working from home.
In total, 94 per cent of employees participated by making a giving decision.
Before the official kickoff, employees took part in United Way’s Walk This Way, with the challenge to walk, run, stroll or roll to reach the United Way’s 100,000 kilometre goal. As a bonus, if employees averaged four km each per day, Manitoba Blue Cross’s president and CEO Benjamin Graham agreed to donate an extra $5,000 to the campaign.
Employees stepped up and moved an average of 5.4 km per day, winning the extra funds and helping the United Way beat its distance goal by over 35,000 km.
“It was no surprise that our employees took this challenge and ran with it – in some cases, quite literally,” said Aarts. “It was fantastic to see coworkers join up for an afternoon jog or a brisk walk around the building – all for a good cause.”
A huge thank you to everyone who participated and a big thank you to the United Way campaign committee for making this all possible!