We all have heroes and next to me at the Manitoba Heroes Gala dinner was Canadian music icon, Fred Penner. Like many Canadians, all throughout dinner, I had visions of how the cat came back. He just couldn’t stay away. Meooow!
The Manitoba Heroes program serves to recognize the amazing contributions of Manitobans and provides an opportunity to give back to charity organizations that make a difference in our community. The five 2014 Manitoba Hero Award Winners honoured at the gala event were Ace Burpee, Carson Shields, Susan Krepart, Lyle Bauer and Jordan Bighorn.
The stories behind each award winner is truly amazing. As the presenter that introduced Susan Krepart, her Facebook campaign to help raise money to buy infant formula for Winnipeg Harvest was a cause near and dear to my heart. Through Susan’s efforts, she’s raised more than $26,000 in cash and over $10,000 baby formula to ensure parents don’t have to worry about feeding their babies.
My late mother, Rosalinda Natividad-Cantiveros was a huge proponent for Winnipeg Harvest for all the families they help feed on a daily basis. For the last three years, I’ve sat on the Winnipeg Harvest Soup-er Lunch committee and if you work downtown, I’ll make my pitch to come join me for lunch on October 30th.
The best part of the Manitoba Heroes program is the support of three local charities – KidSport Manitoba, Siloam Mission and the Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre. As a huge proponent for sports for life and active living, I even more proud to know that money raised from the Manitoba Heroes dinner will go to support KidSport initiatives. Every kid has the right to play.
It was a great night that honoured the generosity and compassion of Manitobans. From where I’m from, everyone is a hero.
Photos by Marny Barnes, Vivid Intuition Photography
