Manitoba Blue Cross raises over $100,000 for United Way Winnipeg
Manitoba Blue Cross employees proved that a charitable spirit can be felt even through a computer screen, raising $106,000 for United Way Winnipeg during a virtual campaign.
“I’m thrilled to see our employees come together with such passion for our community,” said Michelle Aarts, chair of Manitoba Blue Cross’s United Way campaign. “When it comes to a remote campaign, it’s hard to predict how enthusiastic people will be. But seeing our participation numbers, response to campaign events and our overall total (which includes a company match), it’s clear that our employees are truly committed to helping their community.”
A virtual kickoff on October 25 introduced Manitoba Blue Cross employees to the United Way’s Connie Walker and a recipient of the non-profit's goodwill through a video featuring Christine Seidel’s powerful story about mental health and the United Way’s impact on her life.
“Christine’s experience definitely underscored the United Way’s vital role in supporting people in need throughout the city,” Michelle said. “I am grateful she shared her inspiring story.”
Throughout the week, employees participated in activities to raise money for United Way Winnipeg and facilitate team building and help employees bond (even from afar), including a costume contest, video challenge, decorating contest and company-wide round of bingo.
“Bingo was definitely a highlight of the whole week,” Michelle says. “We raised over $900 in ticket sales, over 100 staff participated and it was an opportunity for some good Friday laughs with (Manitoba Blue Cross CEO) Ben, who did an amazing job of calling the numbers.”
Employees also participated in Make the Month, the United Way’s virtual challenge that had employees trying to make ends meet on a fixed income while encountering financial obstacles along the way.
“It’s nearly impossible to take the challenge without reflecting on how much many of us take for granted,” Michelle says. “Putting yourself in the shoes of someone who is struggling to pay rent or to put healthy food on the table really demonstrates the importance of an organization like the United Way.”
A huge thank you to everyone who made a giving decision, and a big thank you to the United Way campaign committee for making this all possible!
Photo credit: Amanda Slater (decorating contest submission)
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.