For the second year in a row Bison held its Cheer Challenge in support of the Winnipeg Cheer Board. Our goal was to help provide a better Christmas for 10 families in Winnipeg. Employees rose to the challenge and we were able to create 10 massive hampers, which displayed the caring and generous nature of our employees and far surpassed the basic requirements of the Cheer Board. And every child in our 10 families, all 32 of them, received two or more gifts to open Christmas morning.

The Cheer Challenge is a concept I came up last year where our entire Winnipeg terminal was divided into six teams. We created playing cards that represented all the food and supplies needed to create the 10 hampers. Teams selected cards and together purchased the items. The team with the most points won the Cheer Challenge.

Cheer Challenge Score Card

It was really heartening to see employees get involved with the Cheer Challenge. For two weeks, I had countless co-workers dropping off food and gifts at my desk while grabbing more Cheer Challenge cards. Some employees love a challenge and wanted to win bragging rights while others just wanted to make sure our families had all they needed this Christmas. Whatever the motivation, we ended our Cheer Challenge with a mountain of toys and food as well as a terminal filled with caring and enthusiastic employees who just wanted to make a difference.

Delivering hampers is a bitter sweet experience. One on hand it feels good knowing you are helping a family in need. On the other hand, it is a stark reminder of the struggles many families face in our city. It may be fun and games for everyone involved in the Cheer Challenge but once Christmas has come and gone, these same families continue to deal with poverty related issues year round.

Family, friends, and health - both physical and mental, are the most important things in life. When we take the time to give back to those in need, we not only help someone out, we are reminded to be thankful for everything we have in our own lives.

Bison wishes you and your family a safe and happy holiday!