Manitoba Blue Cross receives United Way’s Campaign Chair's Award for fourth year in a row
Co-chairs Jackie Tapley (second from left) and Andrea Duncan (centre) with Manitoba Blue Cross United Way Campaign Committee members
After another record-breaking campaign, Manitoba Blue Cross is honoured to receive United Way Winnipeg’s Campaign Chair's award – the fourth year in a row we’ve done so.
“We are thrilled to be recognized for the dedication and the hard work of our team,” said Jackie Tapley, co-chair of the United Way campaign committee. “The staff at Manitoba Blue Cross never ceases to amaze us, and it was an honour to win this award for them.”
The Campaign Chair's Award is the highest level of recognition awarded by United Way Winnipeg and is provided to organizations that demonstrate strong campaign growth and leadership. This year, we were one of only three organizations to take home the award.
In the fall, Manitoba Blue Cross employees raised over $148,000 with company match, breaking the company record for the fourth year in a row.
“Seeing everyone come together to help the United Way, as well as participate in the activities throughout the campaign week, means the world to us,” said Andrea Duncan, co-chair of the committee. “The United Way does such incredible work to help so many people in the city. We are so proud to work with such wonderful people to ensure we do our part.”
To learn more about our campaign, read the campaign wrap-up article.
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 Sleep in Heavenly Peace 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 Sleep in Heavenly Peace 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.