Community support for kids in Winnipeg 2025

2025 Highlights from the Children’s Hospital Foundation

A new year brings excitement and a chance to reflect on meaningful moments from 2025.

Thanks to our generous community, the Foundation launched new campaigns, celebrated achievements, and raised critical funds for patient care, research, and hospital upgrades. The support from donors, volunteers, and partners made it all possible.

Outstanding Philanthropic Group Award

The Better Futures Campaign cabinet received the Outstanding Philanthropic Group award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals Manitoba. They helped raise an unprecedented $112 million for pediatric research, critical infrastructure, and innovative programs for kids at Manitoba’s only children’s hospital. The Indigenous Community Healing Space is under development, and planning is underway for the reconstruction of the day surgery unit and a new nephrology clinic.

New Campaign for Childhood Cancer

The Foundation launched a new $2.5 million campaign for childhood cancer, blood disorders, and transplants. This campaign will help rebuild and reimagine the CK5 ward. Funds will bring comfort and support breakthroughs in childhood cancer at the Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba.

Generous Donations

Many donors made this possible, including gifts from Fund the Need at the Ice Crystal Gala, $125,000 from Hyundai Hope on Wheels and Winnipeg Hyundai, and matching gifts from Qualico and anonymous donors on Giving Tuesday. Additional matching gifts came from the Talbot Family Foundation and the K + P Talbot Community Fund during Dr. Goodbear’s Holiday Give-a-thon.

Champion Children Recognition

In early 2025, we thanked Janessa, the 2024 Champion Child, for highlighting the challenges kids in remote communities face. She received the Guiding Light Award from Children First Canada and the Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals Manitoba.

We welcomed Jack as our 2025 Champion Child. Jack needed seven brain surgeries before his second birthday and was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Now, he is a lively 10-year-old who enjoys fishing and flying kites.

Community Support and Events

The Children’s Hospital Book Market celebrated 65 years of support for kids in the hospital. Volunteers helped make events like the Golf Tournament, Ice Crystal Gala, and Teddy Bears’ Picnic possible. The Children’s Hospital Guild hosted the Gilded Harvest Fashion Show to support CHRIM’s research efforts.

The Suspended Superheroes event in October raised $93,000. Local celebrities, researchers, and first responders rappelled down HSC Children’s while kids waved from hospital rooms. Thanks to Voyageur Technical, Maple Leaf Ropes, and Reliant Action for their support.

Special Visits and Community Contributions

Meaningful visits to Children’s in 2025 included readers during I Love to Read Month and players from CFL teams with the Grey Cup. The Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Winnipeg Jets, and Winnipeg Ghost Busters made special holiday visits. We celebrated National Superhero Day with Legends Character Rentals.

Thank you to our donors, Foundation Families, and Champion Children for your support at Dr. Goodbear’s Holiday Give-a-thon. We enjoyed visiting with everyone during this live event at Outlet Collection Winnipeg.

We also thank businesses and community partners who sponsored events or donated funds this year, including DQ®’s Miracle Treat Day, Walmart, Costco, Great Canadian Oil Change, IHOP, and Purdys Chocolatier.

Finally, thank you to the kids who walked dogs, sold lemonade, or asked for donations instead of birthday presents. Community actions like these make a difference for kids needing life-saving care!

Looking Ahead

All year, everyone made a difference for the kids who rely on Manitoba’s only children’s hospital and the research at CHRIM. The Children’s Hospital Foundation is grateful for your commitment and generosity. We are eager to #ContinueCaringForKids and know that with your support in 2026, we can make anything possible!

THANK YOU!