Stefano’s Stories: Thank you for helping #GiveBetterFutures

July 2023

At the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba, we have so many reasons to be deeply grateful. It’s been an incredible year – and we want to say a BIG thank you to the dedicated community of supporters who work so hard to make sure sick and injured kids receive the best care possible.

As I reflect on what it means to be grateful, I want to pause to notice and appreciate the many moments that have filled my heart with joy in 2022-23.

In June 2022, surrounded by caring and generous donors, partners, friends and families, we launched the Foundation’s Better Futures campaign – the largest donor-driven campaign for child health in Manitoba’s history – to transform the health of sick and injured kids in the province and beyond.

The consistent generosity of our donors, sponsors and partners, coupled with critical needs outlined by HSC Children’s Hospital and Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba (CHRIM), gave us the courage and confidence to move boldly ahead with the Better Futures initiative. And you responded, bringing us now to over 80% of our goal! There is more to do but we are well on our way, thanks to you.

Champion Child, Keira, attended more than 40 events to share her story and encourage others to #GiveBetterFutures. And she did more than talk! Keira and her family raised $17,117.44 for Child Life to support patients’ development when medical situations arise.

Thanks to our Better Futures campaign donors, an imaginative and interactive outdoor play spaceofficially opened in June 2022. It is a safe and secure area for kids admitted to the Child and Adolescent

Mental Health inpatient unit to play, exercise and enjoy the outdoors.

The Children’s Hospital Book Market returned in the Fall of 2022, after a hiatus due to COVID-19, with over 87 pallets of donated books and raised more than $246,000 in just two days for Child Life programming at HSC Children’s.

Thanks to the Sobeys’ Family of Support, CHRIM announced an entirely new research theme: Promoting Innovation in Mental Health through eHealth Excellence (PRIME). PRIME’s goal is to help reduce wait times, provide supports, services and access to rural communities and reduce health system costs through eHealth technology.

#CommunityChampions got creative fundraising for families in hospital, like the GymKyds

Gymnastics Centre! This amazing crew hosted a fundraising picnic with bear gymnastics, face painting, crafts, and more – raising almost $3,100 for families who need HSC Children’s.

The Foundation’s Ice Crystal Gala was back in person and sweeter than ever, welcoming guests, sponsors and volunteers for a candy-themed family event. Supporters raised a record-breaking $560,000 for HSC Children’s Emergency Department and other vital projects through donations large and small.

Dedicated partners like Walmart, RE/MAX, The Brick, Dairy Queen and Extra Life continued to strive for excellence in child health, with all funds raised in Manitoba staying in Manitoba. In 2022, the Extra Life gaming community hosted the first ever “Extra Life Winnipeg Wrap Up Party” to celebrate raising over $580,000 since 2013!

There are so many moments to be grateful for and celebrate, too many to fit in one place, but if you would like to read the highlights in our Annual Gratitude Report, please visit goodbear.ca/GratitudeReport

Stay in touch!