Manitoba Blue Cross receives United Way’s Campaign Chair Award for third year in a row
After an engaging 2023 campaign, Manitoba Blue Cross is once again honoured to receive United Way Winnipeg’s Campaign Chair award.
The Campaign Chair Award is the highest level of recognition awarded by United Way Winnipeg and is provided to organizations that demonstrate strong campaign growth and leadership. This year, we were one of four organizations to take home the award – our third year in a row.
“Manitoba Blue Cross remains committed as ever to the community. We are proud to support the United Way and the pivotal role they play in the well-being of the place in which we all live and work,” said Benjamin Graham, president and CEO of Manitoba Blue Cross. “Our vision to be the trusted and essential health and wellness partner for all Manitobans is a great fit with the important work United Way Winnipeg does.”
Once again, United Way campaign committee members drawn from all areas of the organization joined forces to make this year’s event a success.
“Over 97 per cent of employees made a giving decision this year, further proving the commitment of our staff to community wellness and the tireless efforts of the committee,” said Blake Hofer, campaign chair. “Our enthusiastic support is one of the many ways we continue to demonstrate the Colour of Caring that Manitoba Blue Cross is known for.”
This year, Manitoba Blue Cross employees broke a company donation record yet again, raising over $135,000 (including the company match).
To learn more about our campaign, read the campaign wrap-up article.
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.