Hey Winnipeggers,

Get ready for an exciting weekend in Winnipeg! We're covering heartwarming donations, major safety boosts, and a jam-packed lineup of 36 events you won't want to miss.

In today's edition of the Winnipeg Digest:

• Blue Bombers Donate 40 Beds to Kids

• $1M to Fight Winnipeg Retail Crime

• Winnipeg's Dakota Family Foods Closes After 20 Years

• 36 Weekend Events & more

So, grab your favorite tea or coffee and dive into everything Winnipeg has to offer this weekend.

— Jas Singh

News

Dream Day 2024: Blue Bombers and Dufresne Help Kids Sleep Better

On July 10, the Blue Bombers and Dufresne Furniture & Appliances teamed up with Sleep in Heavenly Peace for the eighth annual Dream Day at Princess Auto Stadium. This heartwarming event gave 40 local and newly-immigrated kids a night to remember and a better night's sleep.

Each child got a personalized Blue Bombers jersey, team merch, and had a blast with players, mascots, and the cheer team. The big surprise? Every child took home a brand new bed!

Wade Miller, President and CEO of the Winnipeg Football Club, said it best: "Every child deserves to feel special, and Dream Day is all about making magical memories."

This event was a shining example of our community spirit. Thanks to the amazing volunteers from Sleep in Heavenly Peace and the support from Dufresne Furniture & Appliances, our kids can dream big and sleep well. Winnipeg, you rock!

What's Happening in Winnipeg?

Cracking Down on Retail Crime

As reported by Kayla Rosen of CTV News: The Manitoba government is putting over $1 million into fighting retail theft and violent crime in Winnipeg. Announced by Justice Minister Matt Wiebe, this funding will extend the Winnipeg Police’s initiative through the summer.

With this boost, expect more police patrols and targeted actions to curb crime, making our community safer. The previous initiative led to 203 arrests and 31 tickets in just four weeks, showing promising results. This new funding aims to build on that success and keep our neighborhoods secure.

Stay Cool During Heatwave

The City of Winnipeg is helping residents beat the heat! With scorching temperatures expected, the city has set up eight hydration stations across town for free drinking water.

Locations include spots like 470 Selkirk Ave and 369 Furby St. Plus, leisure centers, libraries, pools, and spray pads are open as cooling areas. Stay hydrated, check on vulnerable neighbors, and keep cool, Winnipeg!

Dakota Family Foods to Close

After nearly 20 years, Dakota Family Foods in Southeast Winnipeg is closing its doors. The community staple, known for its friendly service and fresh groceries, has faced tough times.

Owner Scott Clement shared his heartfelt thanks to loyal customers, but mentioned struggles like lease issues and retail theft. Long-time shoppers are saddened by the news, marking the end of an era in St. Vital.

South Winnipeg Rec Campus Budget Increase

As reported by Taylor Brock of CTV News: The budget for the South Winnipeg Recreation Campus might increase by $6.7 million. The city’s public service is recommending this boost to cover extra costs for building the Pembina Trails Collegiate Vocational Campus.

If approved, the total budget would rise to nearly $119 million.

Salsa Sunday Returns!

Get ready to dance, Winnipeg! Salsa Sunday is back at True North Square this Sunday, July 14, from 4-8 PM. Enjoy salsa lessons, live music, and a lively dance atmosphere. It’s fun for all ages, with kids under 12 getting in free and a $5 entry fee for everyone else. Come out and unleash your inner dancer!

Exciting Events: July 12 - July 14

This section only includes events until the next edition on Monday, so here’s what’s happening Friday till Sunday!

Sports🏀

• Winnipeg Blue Bombers vs. Calgary Stampeders | 7:30PM, July 12 (Tickets)

  • Location: Princess Auto Stadium, Winnipeg, MB

• The Loop | July 13 (Free)

  • Location: Red River Exhibition Park - The Loop

  • Description: Come see the best of Manitoba’s standardbred horses at The Loop, the brand new racetrack.

• Winnipeg Sea Bears vs Vancouver Bandits | 7:30PM, July 13 (Tickets)

  • Location: Canada Life Centre, Winnipeg, MB

• Winnipeg Run Club | 8AM, July 13 (FREE)

  • Location: The Forks (by the main elevator)

Family Fun🎆

• Ma Buhay Musical | 7:30PM & 2PM, July 12-14 (Tickets)

  • Location: Kildonan Park-2021 Main Street

  • Story: Three young singers compete to win STAR ON THE RISE, a reality TV singing competition that has come to Canada from the Philippines!

• Winnipeg National Bank Challenger | July 12-14 (Tickets)

  • Tickets: $25 per day & Children under 16 are free

  • Location: National Bank Tennis Manitoba Hub at West St. Paul

  • Description: Held at the new National Bank Tennis Manitoba Hub in West St Paul, this event promises a thrilling showcase of tennis excellence.

• Second Saturdays | 12PM - 4PM, July 13 (Free)

  • Location: Dalnavert Museum and Visitors' Centre

  • Description: Explore the historic house at your own pace with a self-guided tour.

• Downtown Winnipeg Walking Tour | 10AM, July 13 (Tickets)

  • Location: Dalnavert Museum and Visitors' Centre

  • Description: The story of the Métis Nation and the role it has played in Manitoba's wider history is often overlooked and oversimplified. On this tour, you will explore some of Downtown Winnipeg's most popular locations from a Métis perspective.

• World Market | 11AM-4PM, July 13 (Tickets)

  • Location: Red River Exhibition Park - The Loop

  • Description: Travel the entire world with a easy trip to The Loop at Exhibition Park this summer! Take the afternoon to come and explore this vibrant market and other various activities!

• FortWhyte Alive | Events (Tickets)

  • Baby Bison Walk | 10:30AM & 1PM, July 13

  • Bison Safari | 10:30AM & 1PM, July 14

  • Description: See North America’s largest land mammal from just metres away, interacting in their natural habitat.

• St. Norbert Farmer’s Market | 10AM-2PM, July 13 (More Info)

  • Location: 3514 Pembina Hwy, Winnipeg, MB

• Bronx Park Farmer’s Market | 9AM-2PM, July 13 (More Info)

  • Location: Bronx Park Community Centre

• Summer Fest | 12PM-9PM, July 13 & 14 (Free)

  • Location: Ikea Winnipeg

  • Description: Get ready to get WET & WILD while savouring delicious food from local businesses at Foodtrip Market's SUMMERFEST.

• Free Sundays @ WAG | 11AM-5PM, July 14 (Free)

  • Location: WAG-Qaumajuq

  • Description: On Free Sunday, discover the 185,000-square-foot cultural campus that is WAG-Qaumajuq, including the stunning Visible Vault showcasing thousands of carvings

• East St.Paul Farmer’s Market | July 14 (More Info)

  • Location: 302 Hoddinott Road

Special Events 🥂

• Jay Mewes | Multiple times, July 12-13 (Tickets)

  • Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club

  • Description: Comedy Show!

• Paranormal Cirque! | Multiple Times, July 12-14 (Tickets)

  • Location: St. Vital Mall Parking Lot

  • Description: A crazy yet fun fusion between Circus, theatre, and cabaret.

• Ai-Kon 2024 | July 12-14 (Tickets)

  • Location: RBC Convention Centre

  • Description: Ai-Kon is a Japanese anime and pop culture convention held annually for three-days and runs 24 hours a day from Friday morning all the way to Sunday afternoon!

• Driven Winnipeg Aftermarket Car Show | 1PM- 7PM, July 13 (Tickets)

  • Location: Red River Exhibition Park

  • Description: Driven is open to the public! Driven celebrates all things automotive. Imports, domestics, bikes, trucks, cars, even boats – they invite everyone to participate – or just come out to see some cool cars!

• The Michael Jackson History Tour | 8PM, July 13 (Tickets)

  • Location: Burton Cummings Theatre

  • Description: Celebrate Jackson’s creative genius and unsurpassed talent with riveting live performances spanning his entire catalogue including Thriller, Billie Jean, and many more.

Live Music 🎵

Events marked with ($) require prior ticket purchase. Other events may require the purchase of food or tickets available at the door or may be free.

CHEERS!

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

— Jas, Winnipeg Digest

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