Community Unites to Support Manitoba’s Children’s Hospital in 2025

The Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba celebrated a year of significant achievements and community support in 2025, raising an extraordinary $112 million for pediatric research, infrastructure, and innovative programs. This remarkable effort was made possible by the dedication of donors, volunteers, and community partners who contributed to various campaigns throughout the year.

Acknowledging Generous Contributions

The Foundation’s Better Futures Campaign received the Outstanding Philanthropic Group award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals Manitoba. The funds raised are crucial for enhancing patient care at Manitoba’s only children’s hospital. Notably, the Indigenous Community Healing Space is under development, marking a significant milestone as the first of its kind in a Canadian children’s hospital.

Future projects include the reconstruction of the day surgery unit and the establishment of a new nephrology clinic. To maintain the momentum in transforming child healthcare, a new $2.5 million campaign focusing on childhood cancer, blood disorders, and transplants was launched. This initiative aims to rebuild and reimagine the CK5 ward, enhancing comfort and care for children during their treatment.

Celebrating Young Champions and Community Events

In early 2025, the Foundation recognized Janessa, the 2024 Champion Child, who showcased the challenges faced by children in remote communities regarding access to specialized care. Her advocacy earned her the Guiding Light Award from Children First Canada and the Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals Manitoba.

This year also introduced Jack, the 2025 Champion Child, who has overcome significant health challenges, including seven brain surgeries before the age of two. Now a spirited ten-year-old, Jack enjoys activities such as fishing and flying kites, and he proudly raised his champion flag at city hall alongside Mayor Scott Gillingham.

The Children’s Hospital Book Market celebrated an impressive 65 years of support for children in hospital, with dedicated volunteers driving this and numerous other events such as the Golf Tournament and the Ice Crystal Gala. The Gilded Harvest Fashion Show, hosted by the Children’s Hospital Guild, successfully raised funds for leading-edge research at the Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba (CHRIM).

The Suspended Superheroes event in October was another highlight, raising $93,000 as local celebrities and everyday heroes rappelled down HSC Children’s while children and caregivers cheered from the hospital rooms. Special thanks were given to sponsors such as Voyageur Technical, Maple Leaf Ropes, and Reliant Action for making this event possible.

Throughout 2025, numerous community visits and events enriched the lives of children in hospital. Local personalities participated during I Love to Read Month, while players from the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and the Winnipeg Jets brought festive cheer during holiday visits. Special events, including National Superhero Day, featured character appearances that delighted young patients.

The Foundation expressed gratitude to all the donors, community partners, and volunteers who contributed, including DQ®’s Miracle Treat Day, Walmart, Costco, and others. Remarkably, many children engaged in fundraising efforts of their own, walking dogs, selling lemonade, or requesting donations instead of birthday gifts.

The commitment and generosity shown by the community have made a profound impact on the lives of children requiring life-saving care in Manitoba. The Children’s Hospital Foundation looks forward to continuing these efforts into 2026, confident that with ongoing support, they can achieve even greater milestones.

For more information on the Foundation’s initiatives and impact, visit the Children’s Hospital Foundation website.