Stronger Together
In April, Manitoba Blue Cross kicked off our Stronger Together initiative in support of CancerCare Manitoba Foundation.
"The goal of Stronger Together is to come together as an organization to help fight cancer and show our support to those who have been affected," says Debbie Rehm, Senior Community & Events Coordinator and chair of the Stronger Together committee.
The event started in the Manitoba Blue Cross staff lounge, with a presentation hosted by Power 97's Joe Aiello.
"Two of our speakers were both cancer survivors and Manitoba Blue Cross employees, so it really hit home to hear them share their stories and experiences with us," Debbie says. "It was definitely a powerful and emotional kickoff, but having Joe Aiello as the emcee brought laughter and fun into the room exactly when it was needed."
For the rest of the day, employees participated in Stronger Together activities, with all proceeds going toward CancerCare Manitoba Foundation.
To raise funds, staff members donated money to dress casual for the week. Employees also donated homemade treats and crafts for a bake/craft sale.
"It was totally amazing to see how passionate the employees were to raise money for this cause," Debbie says.
Six employees raised pledges to shave their heads, and we were thankful to have hairdressing students from MC College and Rita Lehmann from Salon POP volunteer to do the honours.
The employee who raised the most pledges was Rita Dzioba, Supervisor, Agreement Services and cancer survivor.
"The effects of cancer and cancer treatments aren't visible, especially years later," she says. "Everyone I know still suffers from the effects of the treatment."
"Shaving my head was a visible acknowledgement... an acknowledgement of our experience, what some are going through and remembering those no longer with us."
Manitoba Blue Cross continued to accept donations throughout May and into June, with all funds being directed through CancerCare's Challenge for Life, a yearly 20 km walk or 200-minute workout in support of cancer research.
The Challenge for Life was on Saturday, June 8, and a dozen Manitoba Blue Cross employees and family members took to the pavement to show their Stronger Together spirit.
"The walk really was a challenge," says Ryann McCorkell, Social Media Strategist. "I'm not sure that I've ever walked 20 km in one go before."
The last few kilometers were the toughest, Ryann says. "You're tired and sore, but also so close — you know you don't want to stop."
But at the end of the day, it was worth it, she adds.
"Crossing the finish line was a wonderful experience," Ryann says. "The band was playing, and we were surrounded by volunteers and family members clapping and cheering for us. Ringing the bell at the end, I was filled with both relief that I'd finished and the satisfaction of knowing I did it for a good cause."
In total, Manitoba Blue Cross team members raised over $20,000 for CancerCare Manitoba Foundation.
"It goes to show that we are truly one big family," says Debbie Rehm. "We support each other, and we work together to support our community. Every employee has been touched by cancer in one way or another, including myself, and this is what brings the passion for us to come together and be Stronger Together in the fight against cancer."
To learn more about CancerCare Manitoba Foundation, including how to donate, visit their website.
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.