Brandon-Westman Christmas Cheer receives 25k from the Province

The Manitoba government is increasing funding for two cheer boards in the province ahead of the holiday season, Premier Wab Kinew and Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine announced today.

“This year, we’re investing in Christmas,” said Kinew. “Manitobans who need a little extra help around the holidays rely on the good work of cheer boards and we want to make sure everyone has a happy holiday this year.”

The Manitoba government is providing the Christmas Cheer Board of Winnipeg with $100,000 and Brandon-Westman Christmas Cheer with $25,000 for a total of $125,000 to help community-based organizations that deliver food and toys to families in need throughout the holidays.

The Department of Families has also provided five staff to support the Christmas Cheer Board of Winnipeg as it accepts a growing number of hamper registrations for Winnipeg families.

“I know first-hand what it means for a family to receive a hamper delivery during this time of year,” said Fontaine. “We’re doing what we can to make sure that holiday cheer is available to more Manitoba families by supporting the Christmas Cheer Board of Winnipeg and Brandon-Westman Christmas Cheer.”

The premier encouraged Manitobans attending the Holiday Open House tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Manitoba Legislative Building and join in sharing the holiday cheer by bringing non-perishable food items for Harvest Manitoba.

The Manitoba government will also be accepting cheques, addressed to Manitoba charities, at a number of locations set up for mail pickup during the postal disruption.

A full list of cheque drop-off locations can be found at www.manitoba.ca/postaldisruption/.