Guest blog by Tansey Buike, Fund Development Coordinator for Manitoba
Why would a group of University of Manitoba students volunteer to run approximately 200 kms over three days this past October, pushing a hospital bed along highway #1? To help Manitobans affected by a season of unprecedented flooding.
This year marked the 30th Annual Aggie Bedpush, a fundraiser organized by Faculty of Agriculture students to support charities in their community. For the past two years, students have been “pushing” for the Red Cross, with all proceeds this year earmarked for ongoing flood relief and recovery operations. The cause hits particularly close to home. Not only do these students understand the damage that flooding has caused to many farmers throughout Manitoba, some of the students have been personally affected by the disaster.
These dedicated philanthropists collected donations before, after and along the roadside during their trek from Brandon, Manitoba to the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg.
Their hard work and dedication resulted in thousands of dollars for the Red Cross!
This past year, Manitoba was beset with record setting flooding through many parts of the province. Red Cross has been responding ever since, providing immediate and longer-term assistance to help people get back on their feet. Approximately 2,500 people remain out of their homes.
Congratulations to Faculty of Agriculture students and their generous donors! Your support is deeply appreciated by the Red Cross and those it serves. Thank you!
Day One, leaving Brandon, Manitoba on a Saturday morning.
A long way to go.
A local dinner makes special arrangements for the hungry students.
On the road again.
Putting in extra effort to solicit donations on the road.
At the university, on the homestretch.
Back at the University of Manitoba, mission accomplished.