Happy Monday, Winnipeggers!

We’re back with another edition to help you kick off the week!

And yes, the community feedback section is here again (no special announcement this time like last week, but who knows—maybe you’ll hear something exciting in the next couple of editions).

Thank you again for your amazing feedback—it truly means the world to us and keeps this all going. Let’s dive in and make this week a great one!

In today's edition:

• Winnipeg Foundation Donates $4.2M to Local Charities

• Restaurant of the Week

• Local Winnipeg Business Goes to Hollywood

• Manitoba Tightens Machete Rules

• Multiple events this week & more

— Jas Singh

News

Winnipeg Foundation Donates $4.2M to Local Charities

If you’ve tried donating to a local charity recently, you’ve probably felt the pinch—rising costs, inflation, and even things like the Canada Post strike have made it harder for charities to stay afloat. To help with that, As reported by The Winnipeg Sun, the Winnipeg Foundation is stepping up in a big way, providing $4.2 million in grants to 14 local charities. These grants will help with everything from expanding childcare spaces to improving community hubs.

Here’s where the funding is going:

• Women’s Health Clinic: $500K for a full renovation, making their Graham Ave space more accessible and eco-friendly.

• Raising the Roof: $500K to create 24 supportive housing units and 15 family units on Young Street.

• Huron Child Care Inc.: $200K for a new early learning center on Mountain Ave, serving 120 kids.

• Agape Table: $250K to build a permanent space to meet growing food demand.

• Festival du Voyageur: $149.5K for structural upgrades to Fort Gibraltar.

• The Forks Foundation: $200K for new public art and gathering spaces.

• FortWhyte Alive: $250K to stabilize the Lake Devonian shoreline.

• Manitoba Indigenous Cultural Education Centre: $500K to expand and enhance their space.

• Oseredok Ukrainian Cultural and Educational Centre: $210K for accessibility upgrades, including a ramp and elevator.

• Teen Challenge of Central Canada: $250K to renovate a Kate Street space, adding 100 beds and support services.

• Performing Arts Consortium: $250K for the first phase of renovations at the Pantages Theatre.

• The Manitoba Museum: $250K to modernize the visitor foyer and offices.

• YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg: $500K to redevelop Vaughn Street, adding classrooms and a splash pad.

• S.P.L.A.S.H. Child Care Inc.: $200K to open a new space for 96 kids on Balmoral Ave.

With the holiday season here, not everyone gets to enjoy it equally. What the Winnipeg Foundation has done is incredible—but now it’s our turn. Let’s be part of the giving and support these local organizations to make our city a better place.

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P.S. Looking to advertise in the Winnipeg Digest? Reply to this email or reach out at [email protected]!

Restaurant of the Week: MAS Coffee

If you’re working downtown and need a caffeine fix (or just a great spot to escape those office vibes), MAS Coffee has you covered.

Located at 70 Arthur St., Suite 100, this spot is all about crafting the perfect cup. They roast their beans in-house, in small batches, so every sip is as fresh as it gets. Plus, they ethically source their coffee and work closely with producers to build relationships as strong as their espresso shots. You can feel good knowing you’re supporting something meaningful with every brew.

With its super aesthetic vibe, MAS Coffee is perfect for anything from client meetings to catching up on emails or treating yourself to a midday break. It is the kind of place that makes you want to sit back, sip slow, and stay a little longer.

Community News

Local Winnipeg Business Goes to Hollywood

It’s moments like these that make you realize how much talent we have right here in Winnipeg. As reported by Global News, Amber Nemeth, the owner of HayMad & Co., is heading back to Hollywood to showcase her Be Kind collection at the Golden Globes.

Why’s she there? Celebrities at the Emmys fell in love with her merch, which promotes kindness and mental health awareness, and invited her back for round two. Amber’s not just running a business; she’s making waves for an important cause. Over the years, she’s donated close to $10,000 to the Canadian Mental Health Association.

This is about more than selling clothes—it’s a reminder of the creativity and compassion we have in our city. Amber’s showing the world what Winnipeg is made of. Let’s cheer her on as she takes on Hollywood again in January!

RRC Polytech Instructor Receives “Instructor of the Year”

If you’ve lived in Winnipeg long enough, you probably know someone who’s gone through RRC Polytech—or maybe they’re there right now. It’s the go-to spot for hands-on learning, and now it’s getting even more recognition.

Last week, Eric Swanson, a carpentry instructor, was named “Instructor of the Year” at the Apprenticeship Manitoba Awards. His students nominated him, which says everything about the kind of teacher he is. Eric isn’t just teaching skills like framing and tool safety—he’s helping tackle the trades shortage by inspiring the next generation to step up and build careers in these vital industries.

What made the night even more special? His first-ever instructor—now a program chair—was there to see him win. It’s a full-circle moment that shows how much of a difference one person can make in their community. Congrats to Eric and the entire RRC Polytech team for keeping Winnipeg’s trades strong!

Jets Snap Their Losing Streak (and Keep Winning!)

If you’ve been keeping up with the Jets, you know the last couple of weeks haven’t exactly been smooth sailing. But things are finally turning around! They ended a tough four-game losing streak last Thursday with a nail-biting 3-2 overtime win against Buffalo. Adam Lowry saved the day with just over a minute left on the clock.

Then, on Saturday, they kept the momentum going, beating Chicago 4-2. Mark Scheifele found the back of the net for the game-winner, and Mason Appleton added some insurance with an empty-net goal. The team looked sharper and more energized, which is exactly what we’ve been waiting to see.

As I’m writing this, they’re gearing up to take on Columbus tonight. Let’s hope they keep this streak alive. When the Jets are winning, it just feels like the whole city’s buzzing. Go Jets Go!

City Updates

Winnipeg’s Big Tax Hike: Here’s What You Should Know

Let’s be honest, no one likes hearing about taxes going up. But as reported by CBC News, Winnipeg could be looking at a 5.95% property tax hike next year, and there’s a reason behind it.

The city’s population is growing fast, but revenue just hasn’t kept pace. If this increase goes through, it would bring in an extra $44.4 million for essentials like road repairs and public safety. Sticking with a smaller 3.5% increase, on the other hand, would only raise $26.1 million, which could mean cutting back on key community initiatives.

Mayor Scott Gillingham said last week that this kind of increase is needed to keep Winnipeg livable and modern, especially with inflation and a booming population. It’s not the kind of news anyone wants to hear, but when you think about safer streets and smoother roads, it might be the tradeoff the city needs. What do you think—is it worth it?

Manitoba Tightens Machete Rules to Combat Crime

If you’ve been reading for a while, you might remember when we mentioned Manitoba cracking down on machete sales. Well, it’s official. Starting December 31, it’s going to be harder to buy these long-bladed weapons, all in an effort to reduce crime.

Here’s what’s changing:

• Retailers must lock up machetes and other long-bladed weapons.

• You’ll need to show ID to buy one, and minors under 18 are out of luck.

• Stores must keep sales records for at least two years.

The province consulted law enforcement, Indigenous leaders, and community groups to get this right. While it won’t solve every issue, it’s a step toward making our neighborhoods safer. If you see stores not following the rules, don’t hesitate to report them. Let’s work together to make Winnipeg a safer place.

Events coming up this week:

This section includes only the major events happening soon. For a complete list of all events, you'll have to wait for future editions!

• Winnipeg Jets vs Vegas Golden Knights | 7PM, Dec 12 (Tickets)

  • Location: Canada Life Centre

• Candlelight: Christmas Classics | 6:30PM, Dec 12 (Tickets)

  • Location: Crescent Arts Centre

  • Description: Discover the music of Christmas Classics at Crescent Arts Centre under the gentle glow of candlelight.

• Pitâw Mīno Muskîki Indigenous Handmade Market | Dec 13-15 (Free)

  • Location: Via Rail Union Station (123 Main St)

  • Description: Get authentic handmade Indigenous crafts from multiple local vendors!

• Christmas with Johnny Reid | 8PM, Dec 14 (Tickets)

  • Location: Centennial Concert Hall

  • Description: Catch JUNO Award winner and multi-platinum selling recording artist Johnny Reid live on stage in a joyful celebration of holiday spirit.

• We call it Ballet: Sleeping Beauty Dance & Light Show | 6:30 & 9PM, Dec 15 (Tickets)

  • Location: Winnipeg Art Gallery

  • Description: Experience ‘Sleeping Beauty’ like never before, as dancers in glow-in-the-dark costumes bring this classic tale to life on stage.

• Christmas with The Phil: Snow Day | 3 & 7PM, Dec 15 (Tickets)

  • Location: Crescent Arts Centre

  • Description: Brings the spirit of a Snow Day to every one of you, which of course includes a chance for you to join them in our much-loved carol sing-a-longs

• luckygirl holiday POP UP | 11AM - 5PM, Dec 15 (More Info)

  • Location: Centennial Concert Hall

  • Description: Over 140+ local vendors!

Exciting Events: Dec 2nd & 3rd!

Sports🏀

• Winnipeg Jets vs Boston Bruins | 7PM, Dec 10 (Tickets)

  • Location: Canada Life Centre

Music 🎵

• Christmas with the Boys | 3PM, Dec 10 (Tickets)

  • Location: Crescent Arts Centre

  • Description: Featuring the WBC String Quartet, Winnipeg Brass Quintet, Lottie Enns-Braun on organ, Brendan Thompson on percussion, and the WBC Alumni Choir.

Family Fun🎆

• Watt a Season | Dec 9 - Jan 11 (More Info)

  • Location: Manitoba Electrical Museum (680 Harrow St)

• Zoo Lights | Dec 9 - Jan 5 (Tickets)

  • Location: Assiniboine Park Zoo

  • Description: Wander through a winter wonderland and enjoy stunning light displays, tasty treats, and endless joy and cheer.

• Canad Inns Winter Wonderland | Dec 9 - Jan 4 (Tickets)

  • Location: Red River Exhibition- Exhibition Place

  • Description: Manitoba’s largest drive-thru light show and provides a brilliant presentation of over one million lights.

• Let It Glow 2024 | 5-10PM, Dec 9-31 (More Info)

  • Location: Grant Memorial Church (877 Wilkes Ave)

  • Description: Drive through Grant Memorial Church, where you'll be treated to a dazzling show of lights, videos, and music that tells the story of Christmas.

• Toddler Tuesdays at The Leaf | 9:30-10AM, Dec 10 (More Info)

  • Location: Mediterranean Biome at The Leaf

  • Description: Your little one will enjoy music and games while discovering the joy of movement in the beautiful Mediterranean Biome.

• Folklorama at Play | 1-2PM, Dec 10 (More Info)

  • Location: St Vital Centre

  • Description: Held in the Food Hall next to the Indigo Fireplace, attendees can enjoy the vibrant music and dance performances that spotlight the traditions of diverse cultures.

• Art + Human Rights Tour| 1PM, Dec 10 (Reserve)

  • Location: The Forks

  • Description: Join us for Art + Human Rights, a free walking tour exploring art at The Forks and at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR). The tour will be two hours, with the first being outside on The Forks site.

Special 🥂

• Birdsong & Boughs: A Holiday Migration | 2-3:30PM, Dec 9 - Jan 12 (More Info)

  • Location: Assiniboine Park - The Leaf

  • Description: This display blends the vibrant beauty of holiday boughs with the soothing sounds of birds, inviting visitors to experience the season through nature’s migrations.

• Outside Joke's A Christmas Miracle: An Improvised | Dec 10-22 (Tickets)

  • Location: Prairie Theatre Centre

  • Description: Improvising a new Holiday Film every night!

• Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre - Little Women | Dec 9 - Dec 14 (Tickets)

  • Location: John Hirsch Main Stage (174 Market Ave)

  • Description: In 1860s Massachusetts, Jo March and her sisters struggle to make ends meet while their father is away serving in the Civil War.

• Free Drop-In Group Music Lessons | 4-6PM, Dec 10 (Free)

  • Location: West End Culture Centre, 586 Ellice Ave

  • Description: Great opportunity for ages 8-18 to explore their musical talents.

• The Living Well Program | 2:15-4PM, Dec 10 (Tickets)

  • Location: Tannis M. Richardson Indoor Classroom, 145 The Leaf Way

  • Description: Enables people living with mild to moderate signs of dementia and their care partners to reap the social and well-being benefits of engaging with plants with the guidance of a practitioner of horticulture therapy.

• Matt Broussard Comedy | Dec 10-14 (Tickets)

  • Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club

  • Description: Matthew Broussard is a disgraced financial analyst forced into stand up comedy. He's performed on the Tonight Show, Conan, Jeff Ross Presents Roast Battle & the Comedy Central Half Hour.

CHEERS!

Thanks for reading The Winnipeg Digest! I’ll see you again on Wednesday!

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