Manitoba Blue Cross builds 50 beds for local children in need
![A woman in a red t-shirt is kneeling down, watching over a man in a blue shirt as he brands the Sleep in Heavenly Peace logo on part of a finished bed.](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6019e69578fc130720edadfe/667060c2207c6efbafa2f522_50%20Beds.jpg)
Bonnie Emerson, co-president of the Winnipeg chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace watches Luke Johnston, Manitoba Blue Cross's vice president and chief risk officer, brand the Sleep in Heavenly Peace logo on part of a finished bed.
In honour of our 50th anniversary, Manitoba Blue Cross employee volunteers, in partnership with Sleep in Heavenly Peace, built 50 beds for local children in need. The beds were constructed to help ensure no child in our community has to sleep on the floor.
“Celebrating our 50th year is not just about looking back at our history, but looking forward to how we can continue to contribute positively to the health and well-being of all Manitobans,” said Benjamin Graham, president and CEO of Manitoba Blue Cross. “A good night’s sleep can profoundly affect a child’s mental and physical health, and we are committed to making a restful night a reality for more local kids.”
This initiative reflects the community focus Manitoba Blue Cross has had since our inception.
“All children deserve a safe, comfortable bed of their own,” said Jim Thiessen, president of the local chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace. “With almost 500 children still on our wait list, the need is immense. Thanks to the support from Manitoba Blue Cross and the community, we are making significant strides toward that goal.”
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6019e69578fc130720edadfe/66705bff9519a0b735a2dd4b_50%20Beds%20(6)%20(Photo%20-%20Emily%20Wood)%20-%20web.jpg)
To encourage the community to support this valuable cause, we are still holding our bedding drive for a few more days. Until June 18, you can donate new, twin-sized bedding items, including comforters, pillows and sheet sets. Donations can be dropped off weekdays between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. at our office located at 599 Empress Street in Winnipeg. You can also make online donations toward bedding purchases here. We’re incredibly grateful for the donations received so far.
Together, we can ensure that every child in our community has a safe, comfortable place to sleep. Thank you for helping us celebrate this milestone in such a meaningful way.
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6019e69578fc130720edadfe/66705d1c8cf79951f316d0a4_50%20Beds%20(17)%20(Photo%20-%20Emily%20Wood)%20-%20web.jpg)