Manitobans pack more than 30,000 shoeboxes during 2023 Operation Christmas Child campaign

Southern Manitobans have again shown their generosity through Operation Christmas Child through Samaritan's Purse. The organization has released the final numbers for the 2023 campaign, noting 30,413 shoeboxes were packed by Manitobans. In 2022, Manitobans packed 30,690 shoeboxes.

“We are thrilled to see the enthusiastic participation of Canadians in Operation Christmas Child,” said Kendra Shields, Operation Christmas Child’s Canadian director. “It is very encouraging to know that so many generous people want to give hope and joy to children in need around the world.”

The Winkler drop-off location collected the second highest number of shoeboxes in the province at 5,666. 

"It's so amazing to see the continued generosity of our region, year after year, partnering with this ministry," shared Adria Dyck’s, Winkler’s drop-off lead, at the conclusion of shoebox drop-off week in November. "I know there's a lot of different options for people to give to in the area, but to see the continued support for Operation Christmas Child, it's just really wonderful to see."

Tops in Manitoba was Winnipeg at 10,083.

Rounding out the top five were Landmark in third with 2,519, Blumenort in fourth with 2,415 and Grunthal in fifth with 2,392 shoeboxes.

Across the country over 425,000 shoeboxes were packed, about 10,000 more than 2022.

Those shoeboxes were delivered to children in need in west Africa, central America, Ukraine and Philippines. 

Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered 220 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 170 countries and territories. Although drop-off locations for gifts are closed until November, anyone can still be a part of this life-changing project by conveniently packing a shoebox gift online in just a few easy clicks at PackaBox.ca.

You can find the full provincial breakdown, below (listed in alphabetical order):
Brandon  2,108
Blumenort 2,415
Boissevain 242
Carman 546
Grunthal 2,392
Killarney 414
Lac Du Bonnet 335
Landmark 2,519
Oakbank 277
Portage la Prairie 1,833
Roblin 225
Selkirk 457
The Pas 226
Virden 319
Winkler 5,224
Winnipeg 10,083