Manitoba Blue Cross commemorates Truth and Reconciliation Day with new scholarship program for Indigenous students
To commemorate the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, 2021, and honour Indigenous communities throughout Manitoba, Manitoba Blue Cross has introduced the new Manitoba Blue Cross Indigenous Northern scholarships program for Indigenous students studying social work or counselling.
The Manitoba Blue Cross Indigenous Northern scholarships include:
- One scholarship of $5,000 to an Indigenous student studying for a PhD in Social Work at the University of Manitoba (Northern region).
- One scholarship of $5,000 to an Indigenous student studying for a Bachelor of Social Work at the University of Manitoba (Northern region).
- One scholarship of $3,000 to an Indigenous student studying for the Aboriginal & Northern Counselling Skills certificate at the University College of the North.
“We are committed to the Journey of Reconciliation and doing our part to respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action. This new scholarship program is just one way we are striving to promote diversity and inclusion of Indigenous talent in the wellness fields of social work and counselling,” says Benjamin Graham, President and CEO of Manitoba Blue Cross.
Each scholarship will be given out to one student per program. The chosen students will receive their respective scholarship annually until completion of their program, which will allow Manitoba Blue Cross to work with the students and assist them as they develop and find success in their chosen fields.
Manitoba Blue Cross will also provide scholarship recipients with complimentary personal health plan coverage during the school year. Those who qualify can also participate in an internship, co-op placement or practicum with Manitoba Blue Cross’s Employee Assistance Program, including clinical supervision and executive sponsorship through the local organization’s senior leadership team, to provide the students with hands-on work experience.
The Manitoba Blue Cross Indigenous Northern scholarships will be distributed through Indspire’s Building Brighter Futures program. Each award will be based primarily on financial need, as well as other factors such as community involvement and academic merit and performance.
To further observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Manitoba Blue Cross is closed on September 30. Its employees will be provided with information and learning opportunities to further understand the history and important issues pertaining to residential schools and reconciliation.
Learn more about the scholarship program.
Learn more about Manitoba Blue Cross’s actions in support of the Journey of Reconciliation.
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.