MMF wishes everyone a Merry Christmas by bringing festive lights, giving $50,000 to Christmas Cheer Board

Winnipeg, MB, in the National Homeland of the Red River Métis – Today, the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF), the National Government of the Red River Métis, proudly lit up a holiday display at its recently acquired building at 200 Main Street that both nods to the history of this city and province and celebrates the holidays in a way that delights all who see it.

The lighting ceremony, which was moved from the future home of the heritage centre at Portage and Main to 200 Main Street due to construction, features a magical installation of a waving, merry Red River Métis Santa beside a chimney on the south side of the main roof. Next to him is his Red River Cart, laden with gifts, which is pulled by three mighty bison, led by Bobby the Red Nosed Bison.

On the other side, a string of lights in the colours of the Infinity Flag run along the lower roof level along with ten brightly coloured Christmas trees installed on the north side of the main roof.

“The Red River Métis have always been known for our enthusiasm for holiday events, especially Christmas,” said President Chartrand. “Taking advantage of the location of our new property’s location to deliver Christmas cheer in keeping with our history of inviting everyone, especially children, to feel a sense of warm welcome and hospitality. It’s our way of telling everyone that we wish them the very best of the holiday season.”

At the same event, the MMF announced a donation to the Christmas Cheer Board, in the amount of $50,000. The Executive Director of the Christmas Cheer Board, Shawna Bell, was on hand to receive the donation, calling it the largest public donation of the year for the organization.

“As then Red River Métis government, we want to do our part to ensure that every child has a good Christmas, which is why we are once again doing our part to support the Christmas Cheer Board as they deliver upwards of 19,000 hampers, along with gifts, to families,” said President Chartrand. “We applaud the efforts of the Christmas Cheer Board and recognize the incredible effort of volunteers and staff for so many families, and we know that many others in the community are doing the same. Together, we can make sure that no child misses out on the magic of Christmas morning.”

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For more information, media may contact:
Kat Patenaude
Media Relations Advisor
Manitoba Métis Federation
204-801-7710
Kat.Patenaude@mmf.mb.ca

NT5