Ways to Help Fellow Canadians and Manitobans
December 6 - CBC's Make the Season Kind
Join CBC to help Make the Season Kind for Canadians this Winter.
There were over 2 million monthly visitors to food banks in Canada in 2024, the highest number in history. CBC is asking for your help. Every act of kindness, one dollar, one can of food, or one hour of your time, can make a difference to Canadians in need.
This annual/national radiothon is a day devoted to Harvest Manitoba here in our province. Filled with stories, interviews, and Harvest's CEO Vince’s weather/traffic reports, our friends at CBC have already started collecting stories from staff and clients for broadcast.
Rumour has it that several Canadian celebrities are promoting the day across Canada (Catherine O’ Hara, for one).
Donate now to food banks in your community https://www.cbc.ca/kind/
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Winnipeg postal workers are collecting letters to Santa despite the ongoing strike.
But they won’t be collecting or delivering charitable donations.
Many organizations often rely heavily on mail-in cheques from donors. But now the cash flow has come to a halt. Those looking to donate are asked to visit the charity’s website to donate by credit card or e-transfer.
Canadian Red Cross 1-800-418-1111 www.redcross.ca/giveagift
The Salvation Army 1-800-725-2769 www.SalvationArmy.ca/Christmas
Harvest 204-982-3581 donations@harvestmanitoba.ca www.HarvestManitoba.ca
or drop off donations at 1085 Winnipeg Ave, Wpg R3E 0S2
Winnipeg Free Press, 1355 Mountain Ave
Bomber Store, 315 Chancellor Matheson Rd
West Central Women's Resource Centre 204-774-8975
https://wcwrc.ca/donate/supportourwork/
or drop off donations at 640 Ellice Ave, Wpg R3G 0A
Prefer to write a cheque? Call Christie at 431-451-1888 x303 for pick up,
or make a donation via credit card over the phone.
CancerCare Manitoba 204-787-4177 www.MoreTomorrowsTogether.ca/help
Wpg Humane Society 204-982-2041 www.winnipeghumanesociety.ca
or come to the shelter at45 Hurst Way
Assiniboine Park Conservancy, 55 Pavilion Crescent, Wpg, MB R3P 2N6 assiniboinepark.ca
Phone 204-927-8080 / email donations@assiniboinepark.ca
The Winnipeg Foundation 204-944-9474
https://www.mycharitytools.com/gift/wpgfdn/pick-fund
or to our office during regular hours until 12 noon, Friday, Dec. 31.
Winnipeg Art Gallery, 300 Memorial Boulevard, Wpg, R3C 1V1
Donate at wag.ca/donate, or call 204-789-1764 to contribute.
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Hunger doesn't take a holiday
Nearly 23 per cent of Canadians living in food-insecure households.
We need your support now. Over 108,000 Manitobans visit a food bank every month. These are the families, children, infants, and seniors that rely on your donation. School programs, soup kitchens, day cares and everyday people are facing daily struggles to put food on the table.
Non-perishable food will be accepted until December 13 at the Charleswood, Fort Garry, Harvey Smith, St. Vital, and St. Boniface libraries.
Don’t know what to bring?
Shelf-stable, nutritious items like peanut butter, tuna and canned beans are at the top of every food bank's wish list. Most organizations also have a list of their most-needed foods, including whether they accept baked goods or fresh fruit.
Money is useful because food banks, thanks to their purchasing power and relationships with retailers and food producers, can stretch those dollars further. They can also buy items needed by their local community. Financial contributions also go toward fuel and operating costs to transport the food.
Food banks welcome one-time or monthly donations.
You can also make the donation in someone else's name. Great stocking stuffers!
Donation don'ts:
Avoid glass containers. If a jar breaks in a family's hamper, it can ruin all of their food.
Please double-check the expiration date and overall quality. Slightly dented cans are fine, but big dents or bulging tins are not.
Explore other grassroots options. Why not grow a row of vegetables or pick and share fruit next summer? Grocery items are always welcome. If you live in Winnipeg, these are a few local food drop off locations:
529 Country Club Bld - 55+ housing, Monday to Friday, 9 am - 4 pm
Phone or text with subject ‘Food Delivery’ to 204-888-5534
22 Strauss Dr - Manitoba Housing, Monday to Friday, 9 am - 4 pm
Email with subject ‘Food Delivery’ to Nicholas.Rush@gov.mb.ca
825 School Rd - The Salvation Army, Monday to Friday, 9 am - 3 pm
Phone 204-889-9203
170 Hendon Ave- Manitoba Housing, Thursdays
Phone or text with subject ‘Food Delivery’ to 204-619-4634
For inquiries about the Food Security network call Kathy Perrault, 204-223-0934.
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People who rely on food banks don't go away in January.
There is nothing ‘normal’ about the state of poverty and food insecurity in Canada. Food insecurity is at an all time high, and food bank usage has doubled since 2019. We cannot carry on thinking that people will be fine without significant intervention. This issue requires urgent and immediate action.
It's a really tough time for food banks, and so we need to make these issues prominent. Folks are not always in a position to give, so a great way to give is to lend your voice to the cause. This is a petition calling on the federal government to introduce a "Groceries and Essentials Benefit" as a way of getting money into people's pockets quickly.
https://foodbankscanada.ca/advocacy-government-relations/petition/
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Operation Red Nose Winnipeg https://rednosewinnipeg.ca/
The festive season designated driver service operated by volunteers.
Operation Red Nose is the best way to get you AND your vehicle home safe this season after spending the evening with family, friends and coworkers celebrating the holidays.
With one call to our Winnipeg Red Nose Hotline, you’ll receive a safe ride home in your vehicle while supporting the Winnipeg Kids Foundation. It’s a win-win for you and the community.
Book your ride by calling (204) 947-6673 during our operating hours.
Volunteer with Operation Red Nose and help keep Winnipeg’s streets safe! Whether you’d like to be part of our three-person drive teams, work at our headquarters or help on one of the many committees that make Operation Red Nose function, there’s a volunteer position available for you!
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Dec 10, 4:30-6:30pm
Lighting Up The Avenue is BACK!
hosted by Indigenous Vision for the North End
Come to Selkirk Avenue for family holiday fun and delicious refreshments at each stop!
Holiday shopping at our social enterprise thrift shop, The Up Shoppe at 382 Selkirk Avenue!
North End Women’s Centre, 394 Selkirk, we'll have cookie decorating & photos with the Grinch!
North End Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation, 509 Selkirk, there'll be a gingerbread house contest!
Ma Mawi Chi Itata, 800 Selkirk, there’ll be a photo booth and other kids activities.
541 Selkirk there'll be a photo booth and hot chocolate, BINGO AND PRIZES TO BE WON!
All ages and genders welcome!
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Ongoing Activities
Every Sunday at 7:00 PM
Club Happenings, 114B Osborne Street, Winnipeg, MB
(204) 284-6444 clubhappenings@gmail.com
Comedy Open Open Mic
Sign up starts at 6:30 PM / the show kicks off at 7:00 PM.
Whether you're an aspiring comedian, a seasoned pro, or just looking for some fun, this is your chance to take the stage and show off your best material.
Enjoy drink specials all night long and enter to win prizes. After the comedy stick around for karaoke and sing your heart out!
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Every Friday and Saturday, 10 pm - 2 am
4th Line PUB & GRILL, 3025 Ness Ave, Wpg, MB R2Y 2J2 (corner of Ness & Sturgeon)
Don't miss out on one of Winnipeg's BEST karaoke experiences brought to you by our host Christiana from Karaoke Anonymous.
Check out the HUGE online song book at https://search.karaokeanonymous.ca/
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Every Sunday to May 25, 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Broadway Neighborhood Center, 185 Young Street, Winnipeg, R3C 1Y8
Join Winnipeg Circus Club for our regularly scheduled WEEKLY programming!
Try a Variety of Circus Props Including Unicycle & Tight Rope!
Explore New Props & Old Favourites! Our meet-ups are FREE for first timers!
Casual drop-ins are $5 / Membership are $20 for Kids & $30 for Ages 16+
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Manitoba Indigenous Cultural Education Centre, 119 Sutherland Ave., Wpg R2W 3C9
MICEC's Cree & Ojibwe language tables are gathering in-person every month to eat together, to practice, to play games, and visit. Speakers of all abilities are welcome! Lunch will be provided. Email miceclanguage@gmail.com if you have any questions.
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Free Activities
To find more free activities, and events happening in December, go this post
https://winnipegisbetterthanchocolate.blogspot.com/2024/11/ongoing-activities-l-operation-red-nose.html
to December 31, 5 PM – 10 PM
Grant Memorial Church, 877 Wilkes Avenue
Let It Glow – Christmas Drive Thru
Experience the magic of Christmas! Enjoy this free, family-friendly event featuring stunning light displays, festive music, and a heartwarming story of Christmas. It’s a perfect way to kick off the holiday season while driving through one of Winnipeg’s most enchanting Christmas light shows.
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December 6, 5 PM - 9 PM
Grace Hospital, 300 Booth Drive.
Winter Celebration - Enjoy free festive fun with photos with Santa, hot chocolate, and a dazzling Tree Lighting Ceremony in memory of loved ones. The event also features an exciting fireworks display and a drive-in screening of Home Alone. Don’t miss this magical evening filled with family-friendly activities and holiday cheer!
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December 6, 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
First Fridays in the Exchange
Multiple Locations at the Exchange District
It’s full-on creativity where Galleries, artists, unique shops and restaurants welcome your visit!
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December 6, 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The Manitoba Museum, 190 Rupert Avenue
Free admission to its Museum Galleries, Planetarium, and Science Gallery. Each event includes interactive experiences like hands-on science exhibits, live sky tours, and engaging activities such as button-making and research demonstrations in the Living Laboratory.
Special programming includes cultural exhibits like Manidoo Miinniigooizowin, celebrating Indigenous heritage, and film screenings such as Arutinae with a director Q&A. The Planetarium also features unique shows like The Longest Night, blending storytelling and astronomy.
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December 6 – Steve Kitz European Duo 3-5 PM
December 7 - Amber Eppp Jazz Duo 1-3 PM
CF Polo Park, 233-1485 Portage Ave
We’re making the season bright with live holiday music from local musicians. Until December 24, enjoy your favourite holiday songs live while you shop!
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December 7, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Manitoba Legislative Building, 450 Broadway
Legislative Building Holiday Open House
Celebrate the season with Premier Wab Kinew and members of the legislative assembly. Enjoy a free, family-friendly event filled with holiday cheer and bring non-perishable food items for the Christmas Cheer Board.
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to December 24
Cabela’s, 580 Sterling Lion Pkwy.
Free Photos with Santa
Enjoy festive activities, and explore exclusive holiday shopping deals. This event promises fun for the whole family, with professional photo sessions and special promotions. Reserve a spot or visit for a walk-in experience.
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Every Friday
Downtown (301 Vaughn St.) 5 PM to close
Elmwood Kildonan (454 Kimberly Ave.) 7 PM to close
South (5 Fermer Ave.) 7 PM to close
West Portage (3550 Portage Ave.) 7 PM to close
Free YMCA Youth Access Program Ages 13-17
Enjoy safe, inclusive recreational spaces. Engage in fun activities, connect with peers, and stay active, all with no fees or memberships required.
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Saturdays, 8 AM
The Forks 1, Forks Market Road
Winnipeg Run Club - We are a lululemon led community driven run crew. Each week we set up 5km & 10km routes with over 20 community run leaders to support you along the way. The intention is everyone feels welcome and safe.
During our warmer months we meet under The Canopy at The Forks
RSVP REQUIRED https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/winnipeg-run-club-tickets-615793824907
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December 7, 9:00 am – 11:30 am
Tyndall Park Community School Gym, 2221 King Edward St.
Tyndall Park Community Centre’s Breakfast with Santa
This free family-friendly event features a delicious breakfast, holiday crafts, and photos with Santa. Shop local at the Tyndall Community Market while supporting small businesses.
Donations will be accepted for the NorthWest Bear Clan Patrol to support their vital community work.
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Every Saturday, 10:30 AM – 11:45 AM
Public Skating at South Winnipeg Community Centre, 666 Silverstone Ave.
Come for a free skate!
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December 7, 1:00 pm – 3:00 am
Rotary Heritage Park 735 Kildare Ave W
Admission is free with a donation of a tin for the bin
Join the Transcona Museum for Photos with Santa on the CN2747 Visitors can take festive photos with Santa aboard the historic CN2747, a rare 1953 steam locomotive. This family-friendly event offers a unique photo opportunity, creating lasting memories.
There will be a special holiday story time at the Transcona Library at 2 PM.
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December 8, 11am-5pm / drop-in tours at 1pm and 2pm
Winnipeg Art Gallery, 300 Memorial Boulevard, Wpg, R3C 1V1
Join us for Canada Life's Free Sunday and explore the Gallery for FREE! All exhibitions are open and we'll have two drop-in tours for folks to enjoy: MOTHERGROUND begins at 1pm and Inuit Sanaugangit: Art Across Time starts at 2pm.
Take part in a festive art-making activity inspired by Lita Fontaine’s Winyan exhibition, where you can create mandala ornaments. We’re thrilled to have singers from the Manitoba Underground Opera carolling in the galleries between 1 and 2:30pm.
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December 8, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Norberry-Glenlee Community Centre, 26 Molgat Avenue
Breakfast with Santa - This free family event features a pancake breakfast, bouncy castles, holiday crafts, and photos with Santa. The entire community centre will be transformed for a fun-filled day of festive activities.
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December 8, 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Seven Oaks Arena 745, Kingsbury Ave
Enjoy a festive day at the Skate with Santa event! Families can enjoy face painting, public skating, holiday crafts, and a special visit from Santa
at 12:30 PM. Break-Away Grill Specials and Winnipeg’s 150th Celebration Tent. Add to the fun by donating and earning a free hot chocolate voucher!
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Every Friday, 10 PM – 2 AM
Airport Motor Inn, 1800 Ellice Ave.
No cover charge!
Karaoke Every Friday at the Airport Motor Inn 10pm.
Huge stage, Amazing sound and a massive song selection at www.karaokeanonymous.ca
Kitchen closes at 10 so get there early if you wanna order food.