Manitoba Blue Cross announces partnership with STARS, investing in the health of Manitobans
Manitoba Blue Cross is proud to announce a ten-year partnership with STARS, pledging a gift of $3 million to support their critical mission operations throughout Manitoba.
Every day, STARS takes to the sky to provide lifesaving care to people in their most vulnerable moments. Their medically equipped helicopters, staffed by critical care nurses, paramedics, and physicians, bring hospital-level expertise to those who need it most. Whether responding to a farm accident, a highway collision or a medical emergency in a northern community, STARS reaches Manitobans when every second truly matters.
“At Manitoba Blue Cross, we believe that caring for the community means showing up not only in moments of celebration, but especially in times of urgency, uncertainty and need,” says Benjamin Graham, president and CEO of Manitoba Blue Cross. “That’s why partnering with STARS is such a natural fit, as we share a deep commitment to supporting the health and well-being of Manitobans. We’re truly proud as the naming rights partner for their Winnipeg base to know that our support is ensuring that communities across our province can continue to access the critical, lifesaving support that STARS delivers.”
The new partnership will see the STARS base at the Winnipeg Airport renamed the STARS Manitoba Blue Cross Winnipeg Base. The base will be upgraded to include a new state-of-the-art medical simulation lab and additional space for both crew and equipment. These additions will ensure that STARS can continue to deliver the highest level of critical care. With more than 1,200 missions in 2024 alone, the need for their rapid response has never been more clear.
“As a not-for-profit with deep roots in the province, we see this partnership as an important investment in our community and the people we serve,” says Graham. “We look forward to working together with STARS to support the health of Manitobans for years to come.”
Manitoba Blue Cross funds warehouse space for Sleep in Heavenly Peace
The Sleep in Heavenly Peace building, sponsored by Manitoba Blue Cross, will provide ample space for bed construction, assembly and storage, streamlining the entire process and ensuring that more kids have access to a safe and comfortable place to sleep.
“A warm, safe bed should not be a luxury – it is a fundamental right. That’s why Manitoba Blue Cross is stepping up to support Sleep in Heavenly Peace for years to come,” says Benjamin Graham, president and CEO of Manitoba Blue Cross. “We are providing essential resources that Sleep in Heavenly Peace needs to expand their operations and reach more children in the community. This investment aligns with our own commitment to support the health and well-being of all Manitobans, and we are proud to play an ongoing role in ensuring no child sleeps on the floor.”
This new facility will allow SHP to:
- increase production capacity: With a large, dedicated space and the ability to build beds in the colder months, SHP volunteers can now build and assemble more than twice as many beds, reducing wait times for families in need.
- improve storage capabilities: The facility will provide secure storage for completed beds before delivery can occur while allowing for more efficient and timely delivery.
- enhance the volunteer experience: The workspace will create a more comfortable and efficient environment for volunteers – who are the backbone of SHP’s operations – to build and store beds all year long.
“This generous support from Manitoba Blue Cross is a game changer for us,” says Jim Thiessen, co-president of the local chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace. “This new space will allow us to drastically increase the number of beds we build and deliver, ensuring that more children in our community have a safe and comfortable place to sleep. We currently build approximately 400 beds a year and we hope to now increase that to 1,000. We are incredibly grateful for Manitoba Blue Cross’s continued commitment to our mission.”
Join us in helping local children find comfort: Manitoba Blue Cross holds annual bedding drive
Support this valuable cause during our annual bedding drive. Donate new, twin-sized bedding items, including comforters, pillows and sheet sets for local children. Donations can be dropped off weekdays between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. at Manitoba Blue Cross (599 Empress Street in Winnipeg) until June 20.
Online donations toward bedding purchases can be made at https://bit.ly/50beds.
“Our focus at Manitoba Blue Cross is the health and well-being of all Manitobans. We’re committed to building healthier communities – one bed and one good night’s sleep at a time,” says Benjamin Graham, president and CEO of Manitoba Blue Cross. “The outpouring of support that Manitobans showed last year did not disappoint and this generosity helped to create safe havens for local kids. I’m certain the same community spirit that Manitoba is known for will be seen again this year.”
Manitoba Blue Cross holds second annual bed build event
“The bed build event that was held in 2024 to celebrate our 50th anniversary had a profound impact on our staff and myself. Building those beds at Blue Cross Park was incredibly inspiring. We had to turn away staff who wanted to participate,” says Benjamin Graham, president and CEO of Manitoba Blue Cross. “That hands-on work really connected us to this important cause, and I believe it also helped us build stronger bonds within our team.”
Employee volunteers from the health benefits provider, along with SHP volunteers, will be constructing 50 beds for local kids on June 6, 2025 at Blue Cross Park.
To encourage the community to support this valuable cause, Manitoba Blue Cross is also holding a bedding drive once again. Donate new, twin-sized bedding items, including comforters, pillows and sheet sets for local kids. Donations can be dropped off weekdays between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. at Manitoba Blue Cross (599 Empress Street in Winnipeg) until June 20.
Online donations toward bedding purchases can be made at https://bit.ly/50beds.