Holidays in Winnipeg 3
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2023
Parade Director’s Message
The unofficial kick off to the holiday season returns with the 2023 Manitoba Hydro Santa Claus Parade on Saturday, November 18 at 5 PM! We’re so excited to invite everyone back downtown for this free, fun, family-friendly tradition. The parade will be full of your favourites including new and returning floats and walking groups, great pre-parade Block Parties, and of course, Santa Claus! From start to finish, everyone will enjoy an evening lit up with twinkling lights, bright smiles, and holiday cheer.
It’s going to be a busy day downtown. We encourage everyone to come early and plan to spend the afternoon and evening in the heart of the city. Enjoy the Block Parties at 4 PM, the parade at 5PM and grab tickets for the Winnipeg Jets game at 6 PM. Carpool with friends, walk, or take Winnipeg Transit to the festivities - however you get there, give yourself lots of extra time! Thank you to everyone who makes the parade happen each year including partners and sponsors, the team,
Board, and incredible volunteers! Give a high-five to all the valuable volunteers you see along the route. We can’t wait to see you bundled up, cozy and warm with your winter woolies, for this year’s Manitoba Hydro Santa Parade!
for the younger children, but we have a real need for toys for the older kids, ages 10 to 14. So we’re asking that people also remember to bring some Christmas Cheer to those older children as well,” she says. Christmas Cheer Board volunteers will also be collecting donations at the Gallery at Manitoba Hydro located at 360 Portage Avenue. “Along with Manitoba Hydro, we’re hosting child-focused agencies from the inner city to give them a unique and exciting VIP experience at the parade and really get to be a part of the magic of the season,” says Bell. “This year, with the increase in food, the added cost of ordering toys, and the cost of paying for a leased space, our fund-raising goal is $1.3 million,” says Bell. Information to send financial donations can be found at the website at: christmascheerboard.ca
If you’re making your list and checking twice, it would be extra nice to include the Christmas Cheer Board this holiday season. Shawna Bell, executive director of the Cheer Board, says you can be good for goodness’ sake by sharing a donation at the Santa Claus Parade where Cheer Board volunteers will be collecting all along the parade route. “We’re excited to be at the Santa Claus Parade on Nov. 18!” says Bell. “Volunteers will be marching alongside our van, so just wave and they will come to pick up your donation from you,” she says. Pantry goods and new, unwrapped toys are welcome. For a complete list of needed items go to christmascheerboard.ca and click on “Ways to Help.” The Cheer Board also has a special request on their wish list. “We are always able to gather enough toys
Last year, almost 18,500 hampers were distributed and Bell expects that number to rise. “Every year, the Santa Claus Parade is a wonderful opportunity for us to come out and celebrate the start of the season in the heart of the city,” says Shawna Bell.
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