2023 Grand Marsha
On stage, she’s a triple threat. As a competitor, she’s an Amazing Race Winner. At the microphone, she’s a motivational speaker. At this year’s Santa Claus parade, she’ll be Grand Marshal. She’s Winnipeg’s own Catherine Wreford and she is pretty pumped about it all. “I was very excited to be selected! I looked at our past grand marshals and I saw the name of the season one winner of the Amazing Race, Tim Hague Sr., who I know quite well,” says Catherine Wreford. “We chatted about how much fun he had, so I’m really excited to have that fun, too!” Wreford will have some back-up with her on parade day. “I’m bringing my kids to walk with me - they think it’s pretty cool that I’m grand marshal ... but my mom thinks it’s even cooler,” she says.
Wreford has wonderful Christmas memories from her childhood. One special tradition was a silk advent calendar with stars. Another was getting ready for Santa on the night before Christmas. “I used to leave out a beverage and some cookies for Santa and a carrot for Rudolph - and one year, I got a special note from Santa thanking me! I actually still have that little note!” She’s looking forward to meeting the jolly gentleman at the parade. “I’m very excited that Santa has time to do this because I know it’s a very busy time for him up at the North Pole!” she says. Many people know that Catherine Wreford was given a cancer diagnosis 10 years ago and she continues to defy the odds. “I’d really like to encourage everyone to support the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation, especially at this time of year,” she says. “I think that we all need to do something for someone else - even something as little as a smile.” Wreford says she has a tank top with a saying on it that sums up how she feels. “It says: Human. Kind. Be both.” People say they love that shirt and that it’s a great reminder because kindness means so much. My Christmas wish is for everybody to remember what it means to be kind to people.”. Vote for your favorite Parade Entry! Visit our Facebook or Instagram pages after the Parade to help us decide which entries displayed the spirit of the season. Every vote will earn you a chance to win a prize!
Even if it’s one or two, plan a safe ride home
WpgSantaParade WpgSantaParade Help Us Spread Some Holiday Cheer
NEVER DRINK AND DRIVE
Bring a non-perishable food item or a new, unwrapped gift and volunteers from the Christmas Cheer Board will collect your donation for use in the 18,000 Christmas hampers they create each year. Thank you for your support!
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