50 Beds for 50 Years
Sadly, many children in our community are forced to sleep on couches, blankets or even the floor, which can have detrimental effects on their physical and mental health. In honour of our 50th anniversary, we’re partnering with the non-profit Sleep in Heavenly Peace to build 50 beds for local children in need.
"As we celebrate this significant milestone of 50 years, we're reminded of our roots and our commitment from the beginning – to support the health and wellness of Manitobans,” says Benjamin Graham, president of Manitoba Blue Cross. “A good night’s sleep is a simple thing that many take for granted – these beds will have a profound impact on not just the physical well-being, but also the mental well-being of children in our community."
How you can help
Manitoba Blue Cross employees will construct 50 twin-sized beds for local children, but we’re asking Manitobans to join us in making a real impact in our community. To help dress the beds, Manitoba Blue Cross is holding a bedding drive, asking Manitobans to contribute new, twin-size bedding items, including comforters, sheet sets, blankets and pillows. Donations can be dropped off by June 18 at Manitoba Blue Cross, 599 Empress Street in Winnipeg, weekdays between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Online donations to directly purchase bedding can be made here.
"All children deserve a safe, comfortable bed of their own. We are grateful for the support of Manitoba Blue Cross and the community in brightening the lives of many children. No kid sleeps on the floor in our town!” says Jim Thiessen, local chapter president of Sleep in Heavenly Peace, which builds, assembles and delivers beds to children in need.
At Manitoba Blue Cross, we believe in the power of community to enact change. Join us in this meaningful effort to ensure local children have a safe, comfortable place at night to rest their head.
“50 Beds for 50 Years is not just a celebration of our past, but a forward-looking commitment to the well-being of our community's future,” says Graham. “Together, we can foster a healthier, happier future for these children and their families and all Manitobans.”
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.