From virtual to reality – a campaign supporting United Way Winnipeg
Every year, Manitoba Blue Cross employees come together to raise money for United Way Winnipeg.
Typically, the staff lounge doubles as a kick-off venue, where employees gather to launch the campaign and listen to a United Way speaker illustrate the organization's impact on the city. The rest of the week, employees face off in games and challenges, and prizes are up for grabs for those who make a giving decision (choosing to either donate or not donate).
But unsurprisingly, this year's campaign was quite a bit different.
"It's been said that character is most truthfully displayed during difficult times," said Stephen Wang, campaign chair. "It's with this in mind that I was thrilled to witness our Colour of Caring during this year's United Way campaign," he said, referring to Manitoba Blue Cross's slogan.
The virtual campaign kicked off on Wednesday, September 23 with a celebration video, which included highlights from the talent competition and an important message from mental health advocate Lisa Shaw, who told her powerful story and encouraged employees to donate.
"Even though we couldn't be in the same room, it was wonderful seeing our staff come together to support such an important cause," Stephen said, noting that 93 per cent of employees have made giving decisions. "I cannot express enough appreciation for all staff, who continue to show love for our community during these challenging times."
The planned talent show had to be held remotely, with employees sending in videos of their submissions. But to the joy of everyone who got a chance to view the submissions, the virtual format – where employees could prepare and showcase their acts in their own environments with their props and equipment within reach – was arguably even better than an in-person show.
Submissions included a piano rendition of Britney Spears's "Toxic," an art tribute to actor Chadwick Boseman, photorealistic animal paintings and a heavy metal drum performance. The Travel Claims Department were crowned the champions for their rendition of "Heal the World," stitching together each member's recorded vocal performance.
United Way Winnipeg highlighted our campaign at their first 2020 Summit Series, saying, "Manitoba Blue Cross is oozing with talent and they showed it through their United Way Campaign this year."
Overall, our United Way campaign had a community impact of $89,524.96 this year.
"Hosting a remote campaign is always going to be a challenge, but our planning committee and our employees faced it gracefully," Stephen said. "Many thanks to Connie Walker and Dave Angus from the United Way for their support, as well as to Lisa Shaw for her powerful story. And once again, thank you to everyone at Manitoba Blue Cross for participating and supporting your community – you've truly proven the power of the Colour of Caring!"
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.