Community spirit shines

River Heights

This fall, a group of young River Heights residents reminded us of what community action looks like. Every Thursday morning before school, nine-year-old Annie MacDonald, alongside her friends Olenka Cardwell, Ruby Kurz and Hannah Sampson, ran the Kids Care Café, a pop-up coffee stand raising money for CancerCare Manitoba. With support from neighbours, parents, and local businesses, they raised over $3,000.

I had the pleasure of attending nearly every Thursday – when you find a good coffee place, support it!

What began as a few thermoses quickly grew into a bustling hub of generosity and connection. Teachers, students, and neighbours gathered not just for coffee and hot chocolate, but to support a cause that touches so many lives.

Local businesses stepped up too. Writers & Rockers Coffee Company not only donated coffee but also created a special blend called Kids’ Care Coffee, which is still available and continues to support the fundraiser. These young leaders showed us that compassion and action go hand in hand. River Heights is home to some truly inspiring changemakers.

As we celebrate their efforts, we also mark an important milestone in our province’s health-care journey. On the second anniversary of our government’s election, we were proud to announce the restoration of emergency services at Victoria Hospital. Construction on the new emergency department begins in the new year, fulfilling a promise to families in south Winnipeg and to many in River Heights who rely on Victoria for urgent care.

The new ER will include more in-patient beds, expanded diagnostic capacity and a high-observation unit to support acute care. This project is the result of listening to front-line workers and community members and reflects our commitment to rebuilding health care with compassion and respect.

Alongside the ER, we are also restoring the Mature Women’s Centre, a vital resource for women and gender-diverse individuals. This centre will offer specialized care and support, and its return is a win for equity and access in our health-care system.

From the grassroots generosity of the Kids Care Café to the bricks-and-mortar progress at Victoria Hospital, River Heights continues to be a place where community and care go hand in hand. Whether it’s young people raising funds or healthcare workers joining our system in record numbers, the message is clear – we are building a better Manitoba together.

Let’s keep the momentum going. When River Heights leads, Manitoba follows.