Manitoba Medical Service Foundation (MMSF) celebrates their 2025/2026 award recipients
For 55 years, Manitoba Blue Cross has been the main source of funding and administrative support for the Manitoba Medical Service Foundation (MMSF).
The MMSF was established in 1971 with a vision to serve Manitobans through health education and research. Its mission is to promote and fund scientific and educational research to improve the health and well-being of Manitobans.
On April 23, attendees gathered at a reception hosted at Manitoba Blue Cross headquarters to celebrate this year’s remarkable MMSF research operating grant and early career award recipients.
The 12 successful research operating grant recipients and three career awardees received a total of over $670,000.
“When we look at what’s going on around the world, it’s an understatement to say that we live in a time of profound change,” said Diane Sparrow DeGrave, vice president of People and Corporate Services, who spoke on behalf of Manitoba Blue Cross. “But the call for innovative health research has never quieted. In fact, among economic hardships, ongoing conflicts and outbreaks of previously rare diseases, it has only grown louder. The grant winners and awardees that stand here today have answered that call.”
The reception featured a diverse range of academics, non-academics and professionals. Guests included representatives from research organizations, medical institutions, charitable organizations, educational facilities and provincial organizations, as well as board directors, senior leaders and staff from the MMSF and Manitoba Blue Cross.
Also in attendance were this year’s funding partners – The Winnipeg Foundation, Kidney Foundation of Canada, the McLaughlin Foundation/UM Dean’s Fund and the Manitoba Lung Association.
Along with Sparrow DeGrave, speakers included Dr. Peter Cattini (MMSF board chair), Dr. Jitendra Paliwal (vice president, research and innovation at the University of Winnipeg) Dr. Bernadette Ardelli (vice president of research and graduate studies at Brandon University), Dr. Annemieke Farenhorst (associate vice president of research at the University of Manitoba) and Dr. Grant Pierce (assistant executive director of the MMSF).
Congratulations to the awardees!
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.