Hey Winnipeggers!

Today’s edition covers everything from ways you can support our community to other inspiring local stories! With all this cold, make sure to grab a coffee as you settle in to read. Let’s get started!

In today’s edition:

• Winnipeg’s Extreme Cold: How you can help!

• Charity of the Week

• 6 Egg Brands Get Recalled in Manitoba

• Winnipeg Film Goes to the Oscars

• Multiple events this week & more

— Jas Singh

News

Winnipeg’s Extreme Cold: How you can help!

We might sound like a broken record talking about how cold it is, but honestly, this weather isn’t just uncomfortable—it’s downright dangerous. It’s a harsh reminder that not everyone has heat, food, or the shelter they need to survive. And as a community, we believe it’s our responsibility to step up however we can.

Thankfully, local organizations are working tirelessly to help:

• N’Dinawemak’s 24/7 warming space is staying open around the clock, with over 200 beds available. They’ve even stopped their usual morning closures so no one is left out in the cold.

• The Downtown Community Safety Partnership (DCSP) is patrolling day and night, checking on encampments and helping people find safe, warm shelter.

• Lighthouse Mission is giving out winter clothing, such as mitts and parkas, and serving hundreds of hot meals and coffee daily.

But they can’t do it alone—here’s how you can help:

• Donate winter clothing like mitts, parkas, boots, and warm socks. These items are always in high demand.

• Support shelters with cash or supplies—no contribution is too small.

• Keep an eye out for anyone in distress. If you see someone who might need help, call 2-1-1 Manitoba. They’ll connect with the closest mobile crisis unit, such as Main Street Project, DCSP, or Sunshine House. It’s faster than calling 9-1-1 and keeps police available for emergencies.

Winnipeg, this cold is tough, but so are we. Let’s show our warmth and make sure no one faces this alone.

Sponsored by GFIT Wellness!

What Are Your Health and Fitness Goals for 2025?

Three weeks into the new year, many of us could use extra support to stay on track with our goals. GFIT Wellness, a Winnipeg-based health and fitness coaching company, is here to help!

With over 70 registered health professionals specializing in mental health, evidence-based nutrition, exercise programs, stress management, and more, GFIT creates personalized programs tailored to your unique needs.

Why Choose GFIT?

• Comprehensive Support: Mental health, nutrition, fitness, and healthy habits in one customized program.

• Insurance-Friendly: Most Canadian insurance plans cover up to 8 months of GFIT coaching starting January 1st.

So, let’s prioritize your health and make 2025 the year you become the best version of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Take the first step: Click below to find a coach who fits your style and book a FREE assessment.

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

Charity of the Week:

Wrestling For A Cause

For one local wrestler, The Dream Factory isn’t just a charity. It’s a lifeline that supported his best friend’s family when they needed it most. After his best friend’s daughter was diagnosed with a rare brain cancer, The Dream Factory stepped in, offering comfort, care, and life-changing experiences during an incredibly difficult time.

Now, he’s paying it forward. On January 25th at Assiniboia Downs, the third annual Wrestling for a Cause event will raise funds for The Dream Factory to help them continue their incredible work. Last year, over 500 fans showed up, and the event raised $5,000. This year, the goal is to surpass that because every dollar means more dreams for kids and families who need them.

Here’s how you can support:

• Attend the event! (Call 204-391-0215 or buy tickets at the door)

• Spread the word to your friends and family.

• Donate directly to The Dream Factory if you can’t make it.

Let’s rally together and help make more dreams come true!

Community Digest

6 Canadian Egg Brands Recalled in Manitoba

We know we usually keep things completely local, but this one hits close to home and affects our Digest community. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has issued a recall on shell eggs sold under brands Compliments, Foremost, Golden Valley, IGA, no name, and Western Family due to a Salmonella contamination.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Only specific lot codes are affected. Eggs with expiry dates of Feb. 16, Feb. 22, and March 1 may be contaminated.

• Affected eggs were sold in Manitoba, Ontario, B.C., and beyond.

• Salmonella can make you sick, even if the eggs look fine.

What to do:

1. Check your fridge for these brands.

2. Verify lot codes—only the ones listed in the recall are affected.

3. Return or toss any recalled eggs.

Lastly, while you’re at it, consider supporting local producers for your next dozen. It’s a small way to ensure peace of mind while helping our community. Stay safe, Winnipeg!

Did You Know Canada’s Biggest Farm Show is Here?

Well, now you do! Canada’s largest indoor farm show, Manitoba Ag Days, is happening right now at the Keystone Centre in Brandon. It’s a celebration of the people who make agriculture the backbone of Manitoba’s economy, contributing over $4 billion annually.

Here’s what’s exciting this year:

• The largest-ever innovation showcase, featuring cutting-edge technology to help farmers stay ahead.

• A brand-new vendor market with different local food and drink options each day.

• Opportunities for farmers, producers, and industry leaders to network, learn, and gear up for the growing season.

If you’re a fan of local food or just want to see what’s new in agriculture, this is your chance. Manitoba Ag Days runs until January 23rd, so there’s still time to catch it today or tomorrow. Support our farmers and be part of something amazing!

Winnipeg Film Goes to the Oscars

Winnipeg’s own Matthew Rankin is finally bringing his Oscar-shortlisted film Universal Language home. As reported by CBC News, Shot in Winnipeg, the movie puts a surreal spin on the city, imagining it as a place where Farsi and French are the official languages and “Riel bills” are the local currency.

Here’s why this is a must-watch:

• The film is shortlisted for an Academy Award, with nominations set to be announced on January 23rd, the same day it premieres in Winnipeg.

• It’s a blend of Iranian poetic realism and Winnipeg’s quirks, inspired by Rankin’s personal stories and unique vision.

• Packed with “little jokes” for Winnipeggers, it also offers layers for Farsi and French speakers to enjoy.

Universal Language opens at the Dave Barber Cinematheque on January 23rd and runs until February 5th. This is your chance to see a film that’s already made waves at Cannes and TIFF, right here in our city.

Don’t miss it—let’s show this incredible film some local love! 🎥

City Updates

Winnipeg’s First Chief Construction Officer

Ever feel like some construction projects take forever or don’t deliver what was promised? You’re not alone, and the City of Winnipeg has noticed too. That’s why they’re bringing in their first-ever Chief Construction Officer (CCO) to help fix the process.

The search committee has recommended Tom Sparrow, a seasoned project manager with over 35 years of experience. Here’s why this is a big deal:

• Sparrow has worked on massive projects like hospitals and airports, with budgets reaching $1 billion.

• His first task? Tackling the governance issues with the North End Water Pollution Control Centre, a multi-billion-dollar project.

It’s great to see our city trying something new. With past missteps costing time and money, let’s hope this new hire brings the expertise we need to get things done right. If approved, Sparrow starts by April. Here’s to a more efficient Winnipeg! 🚧

Teaching Workshops at the U of M

Do you know any current or future teachers? If you do, send this their way—because the Centre for Advancement of Teaching and Learning at UM has workshops designed to help educators grow and succeed.

Here’s what’s coming up:

• Small Shifts, Significant Gains: Quick lunchtime sessions packed with easy-to-apply teaching tips.

• Universal Design for Learning (UDL): Learn to make classrooms more inclusive and accessible, one principle at a time.

• Plan Your SoTL Study: Turn teaching curiosity into impactful research projects.

• Graduate Teaching Program (GTP): Perfect for grad students stepping into teaching roles for the first time.

Workshops are happening throughout January and February, with GTP registration opening on February 4th, 2025. Whether you’re new to teaching or looking to grow, these sessions offer practical tools, connections, and fresh ideas to elevate student experiences.

Pass this along to a teacher or grad student you know—these are opportunities they won’t want to miss!

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!

• Folklorama night and human rights | 6:30PM, Jan 24 (Tickets)

  • Location: 85 Israel Asper Way

  • Description: Travel to three diverse parts of the world in one night and explore human rights!

• Winnipeg Jets vs Utah | 7PM, Jan 24

  • Location: Canada Life Centre

• Sugar Sammy Comedy | Jan 24-25 (Tickets)

  • Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club

  • Description: He has performed over 2,000 shows in 32 countries. He hits on cultural, social and political themes with great charm and finesse. (only a few tickets left)

• Kerry King | 7PM, Jan 25 (Tickets)

  • Location: Burton Cummings Theatre

• Guided Snowshoe Experience | 10-11:30AM, Jan 25 (Tickets)

  • Location: Assiniboine Park (Riley Family Duck Pond Shelter)

• Worlds Largest Snow Maze | Jan 25 (Tickets)

  • Location: A Maze in Corn

  • Description: Enjoy warming areas with bonfires, slide down the giant snow mountain, relax in the warming barn or hop on a sleigh ride!

• Life-Cycle | Jan 25-26 (Tickets)

  • Location: Manitoba Theatre for Young People

  • Description: Life-Cycle combines acrobatics, puppetry, and digital effects to create a world where a simple bicycle can become pure magic.

• Learn to Winter | 1-4PM, Jan 26

  • Location: The Forks

  • Description: Skate and Snowshoe Lessons, DJs by The Canopy, Winter Wellness Classes, Storytelling and Drumming in the Teepee and more!

Exciting Events: Jan 22nd & 23rd

Music 🎵

• Winterruption | Jan 22-26 (Tickets)

  • January 22nd:

    • The Secret Beach/Phosphorescent | West End Cultural Centre | 7PM

    • Lowlife/Guilty Sleep/Pkew Pkew Pkew | The Handsome Daughter | 7PM

  • January 23rd:

    • Owen Pallett/Slow Spirit | West End Cultural Centre | 7PM

    • tofusmell/Ada Lea/Virgo Rising | The Handsome Daughter | 7PM

    • Strawberry Punch/Tired Cossack/Cheekface | Park Theatre | 7PM

    • Dill the Giant/DijahSB/Kool Keith | Sidestage Winnipeg | 8PM

• Central Sound Wave/Ryan Bullock/Keith MacPherson/Matt Zelich

  12-11PM, Jan 22

  • Location: Belle's Kitchen + Music Hall

• Shred Kelly | 8:30PM, Jan 22

  • Location: Times Change(d) High & Lonesome Club

• Gary Gach | 8PM, Jan 22

  • Location: Royal George

• Shay Wolf | 7PM, Jan 23

  • Location: Rae & Jerry's Steak House

• Curtis Newton/Jeff Sahulka/Leonard Shaw/Rob and Theo

  12-11PM, Jan 23

  • Location: Belle's Kitchen + Music Hall

• Winnipeg New Music Festival (WNMF) | Jan 23-25 (Tickets)

  • WNMF 2 | Rouse & Gourzi – Jan 23

  • WNMF 3 | Attacca Quartet – Jan 24

  • WNMF 4 | Absolute Jest – Jan 25

• The Soundoff/Run It’s Course/Starry Eyes | 8PM, Jan 23 ($10 at the door)

  • Location: The Osborne Taphouse

• Live From The Moon/Almost Insight | 8:30PM, Jan 23

  • Location: Times Change(d) High & Lonesome Club

• Sean Burns | 8:30PM, Jan 23

  • Location: Park Alleys

• YBN Nahmir | 9PM, Jan 23 (Tickets)

  • Location: Exchange Event Centre

Sports🏀

• Manitoba Moose vs Grand Rapids Griffins | Jan 23 & 25

  • Location: Canada Life Centre

Family Fun🎆

• Waitress - Musical | Jan 22 - Feb 1 (Tickets)

  • Location: Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre

  • Description: Jenna is a small-town waitress who puts her passion into incredible pie-baking. When she finds herself pregnant in a dead-end relationship, she realizes she must address her life, and find her true self in a world.

• Royal Winnipeg Ballet presents First Steps | 7:30PM, Jan 23-25 (Tickets)

  • Location: RWB Founders' Studio

  • Description: First Steps is an exhilarating competitive showcase of work choreographed on and by RWB School Professional Division students.

Special Events 🎨

• Fleurs de Villes | Jan 22-26 (Tickets)

  • Location: The Leaf

  • Description: Fleurs de Villes ARTISTE is a fresh floral event showcasing Manitoba’s vibrant arts scene and outstanding floral talent.

• Matt Falk Comedy | Jan 22-23 (Tickets)

  • Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club

  • Description: His Dry Bar Comedy specials have millions of views collectively online and 3 of his comedy albums reached #1 on the iTunes Comedy charts.

• Gerry Dee “Funny You Should Say That” tour | 8PM, Jan 23 (Tickets)

  • Location: Burton Cummings Theatre

  • Description: Gerry will debut all new material full of stories and observations from how he sees the world.

• 10x20x20 | Warming Huts 2025 | 7:30PM, Jan 23 (Free)

  • Location: The Event Space, 2nd floor @ the Forks

  • Description: 10x20x20 is a special event created to inspire conversations about architecture, design, and creativity.

• Oyster Nights Under Patio Lights | 5-8PM, Jan 23 (More Info)

  • Location: The Forks

• Raw Almond Restaurant | Jan 23 - Feb 16 (Tickets)

  • Location: The Forks

  • Description: World class chefs gather to create a pop-up restaurant experience like no other.

Thanks for reading The Winnipeg Digest! Let’s chat again on Friday!

P.S. Want to get your business in front of thousands of local Winnipeggers? Email us at [email protected].