Festive fundraiser celebrates 30 years

Going once. Going twice. Going … tree times?

The gavel is being raised once again as United Way West Central Manitoba prepares to celebrate 30 years of holiday magic with their annual Holiday Tree Auction.

“This year marks the 30th anniversary of this cherished community tradition, and while the heart of the event remains true to its original purpose, a few festive additions promise to make it extra special!” said Cynamon Mychasiw, CEO of United Way West Central Manitoba.

The event was inaugurated by Dan Karashowsky, Darren Blazeiko, and former CEO Debbie Arsenault. Mychasiw said they had a simple yet powerful idea: combine the gift of bringing Christmas cheer to local families in need and raise funds for United Way’s Tools for School program at the same time.

Last year, the auction brought in just over $28,000, but the United Way team would love to beat their record high of $36,000.

The annual tree auction follows a (now) time-tested plan: businesses and employee groups register to decorate a tree and “adopt” a family (referred by community agencies). The businesses who have signed up purchase gifts and decorations matched to the interests and ages of the children. The trees are “auctioned off” to the highest bidders who hold bragging rights for helping to fund the next year’s youth programs. The trees and gifts are then carefully wrapped up and delivered to the receiving families the next morning.

The $30 tickets are available through the United Way office or on the United Way website (www.brandonuw.ca/events). Guests can just come and enjoy the fun because there’s more than bidding on the schedule.

“The evening kicks off with a lively half-hour speed-decorating challenge, where our 12 teams will race to bring their pre-lit trees to life and place gifts beneath them,” said Mychasiw.

“Then at 6 p.m., the lights dim and every tree shines. It’s a heartwarming symbol of how these acts of generosity will brighten the lives of families across the community on delivery day.”

Campaign co-chairs Tim Black and Shelly Brown from Q Country, together with Bryan Podworny from Expressions Entertainment will host all the planned activities, which will be scattered throughout the evening, leading up to the main event.

“This year, we are thrilled to welcome special guests Prairie Blend, an incredible ensemble known for their rich harmonies, unique arrangements and signature wit,” Mychasiw said.

She said comfort food is on the menu from the chili bar, along with some delightful signature seasonal cocktails.

“The heart of the evening is the live auction, led once again by Jesse Campbell of Fraser Auction, whose team has supported this event for 29 of its 30 years, including during the pandemic when the auction went virtual,” she said.

“We are especially grateful for our event sponsors IG Wealth, Wawanesa Insurance, Sunrise Credit Union, Pattison Media, J & G Group and the Las Vegas Golden Knights.”

Following the tree auction, Mychasiw said some amazing bonus items will be on the block: six box seats to the Dec. 11 Winnipeg Jets versus Boston Bruins game, complete with True North merchandise, and a framed Las Vegas Golden Knights jersey autographed by the entire team.

She said that when the auction first started, the funding was designated for the Tools for School program, but it has since expanded to include all United Way youth programming. Funds raised from this year’s event will be reinvested into Tools for School, Coats for Kids, FEYA (Financially Empowering Young Adults) and the Summer of Service program.

It’s been a year of powerful accomplishments for United Way West Central Manitoba.

“With support from the Province of Manitoba, we piloted a new initiative called ‘The Breathing Room,’ geared towards our social sector, providing programming specifically for the people who are caring for our city’s most vulnerable,” Mychasiw said.

“And with our summer service program, our incredible youth volunteers put in over 1,350 hours of volunteer service in Brandon over the eight weeks. So we’re really proud of those young people and the work that they put in.”

As 2026 approaches, the United Way continues to expand their impact on supporting youth, addressing hunger, improving mental health and strengthening the social sector, including their first Breathing Room conference and a ramp-up towards their 90th anniversary in 2027.

Mychasiw said that the Holiday Tree Auction and other signature events are vital to ensuring all these initiatives continue to thrive.

“We are deeply grateful to everyone who participates, donates and celebrates helping create brighter futures, not just during the holidays but all year long.”

She said that the tree auction in particular is a success, both for the good it does and as an ongoing Christmas tradition in the local community.

“It’s kind of the start of the Christmas season. All of our events are great, but this one has a real purpose in not only raising funds, but knowing that those trees are going to families in need.

“Together, we’re lighting up more than trees — we’re lighting up our community.”

United Way West Central Manitoba’s 30th Annual Holiday Tree Auction takes place Nov. 27, 4:30 to 10 p.m. at the Victoria Inn, 3550 Victoria Ave., Brandon. Tickets cost $30 for individuals and $150 for tree registration. For tickets or more information visit brandonuw.ca/events, call 204-571-8929 or email office@uwwcmanitoba.ca

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