Parade spectators are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items or new unwrapped gifts to be donated to our associated charity, The Christmas Cheer Board.
In 1919 a number of Winnipeg churches began providing food and toy hampers to the widows and orphans of soldiers lost in World War One.
These churches operated as a loose group for many years but realized quickly that the need extended to many others within the community during the holidays. As the program grew, churches began working together to coordinate Christmas giving across the city. In the mid-nineteen-forties these churches decided the program should operate as one organization, A Christmas Cheer Board, to better look after families in need throughout Winnipeg.
Each year the Christmas Cheer Board of Winnipeg coordinates a Christmas giving program, working with other organizations across the city to eliminate duplication and distribute thousands of hampers into the hands of as many families as possible.
More than half of all food and toys are donated by individuals and companies across the city, with the Cheer Board purchasing the balance.
Cheer Board volunteers total almost 5,000 people each year looking after all areas of the program. Hampers are packed by school children and organizations; volunteers wrap toys and drivers deliver the hampers. Individuals, community groups and companies help raise food, toys and money needed to build these hampers.
On parade day, if you are interested in donating, please bring a non-perishable food item or new unwrapped gift to the Parade.
Volunteers will be picking up items along the Parade route and donation bins will be available inside the Manitoba Hydro building.
On behalf of the Christmas Cheer Board – thank you. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.
For more information visit Christmas Cheer Board website, or contact them direct at:
(204) 989-5680 (year-round)