About the Gala | Catholic Foundation

About the Catholic Foundation of Manitoba Awards Gala
(formally known as the Caritas Award Dinner)

The love of God and neighbour is the foundation of true Christian charity, expressed through care, compassion, and service. Guided by this spirit, the Catholic Foundation of Manitoba Awards Gala honours individuals and organizations whose contributions have strengthened the fabric of life in Manitoba.

The Foundation established the inaugural Caritas Award Dinner in 1979 to recognize those who have made exceptional contributions to the well‑being of Manitobans, to the Catholic community, or who have provided exemplary service in support of Catholic values, works, and causes. Past recipients include bishops, religious orders, clergy, laypersons, service organizations, and distinguished community leaders.

In 2026, while the mission of the event remained unchanged, its name was updated to the Catholic Foundation of Manitoba Awards Dinner to better reflect the breadth of its purpose.

During the first six years, proceeds from the Dinner were directed toward building the Foundation’s general Capital Fund. Since then, Gala proceeds have been used to offset the Foundation’s modest operating costs, ensuring that the maximum possible funds remain available for grants.

As it continues to honour those who exemplify caring leadership and service across Manitoba, the Awards Gala has become a cherished celebration for Catholics from all dioceses and for all who support Catholic values. Over time, it has grown into a preeminent gathering that celebrates the spirit of community throughout the province.

Past Award Recipients

Theme, Award Recipients, Charity of Choice
2027 - When Memories Fade
Honourees to be selected soon
2026 - Palliative Care
Caritas Award - Jocelyn House Hospice
Service Award - Claudette Peters
Charity of Choice - Never Alone Cancer Foundation
2025 - Theme: Creating a welcoming community for individuals with diverse abilities.
Caritas Award - Gabriel Langlois
Service Award - Lisowski Family
Charity of Choice - Open Access Resource Centre (OARC)
2024 - Theme: Growing in Faith Together: Journeying with You(th)
Caritas Award - The Catholic School of Evenglization
Service Award - Tom Lussier, Amber Wsiaki, The Welcome Home
Charity of Choice - CCO Winnipeg
2023 - Theme: Truth and Reconciliation
Caritas Award - Janelle Delorme & Norma McDonald, CSC
Service Award - Most Reverend Murray Chatlain
Charity of Choice - Returning to Spirit
2022 - Theme: Mental Health
Caritas Award - Sara Riel Inc.
Service Award - Sharon Blady
Charity of Choice - Artbeat Studio
2021 - Theme: Refugees
Caritas Award - Centre Flavie-Laurent Inc.
Service Award - Karin Gordon & Tom Denton
Charity of Choice - Hospitality House Refugee Ministry
2020 - Caritas Award Dinner was Cancelled.
2019 - Theme: Social Justice
Caritas Award: Joy Smith
Service Award - Carol Peloquin, snjm & Bo Gajda
Charity of Choice - Future Hope Home
2018 - Caritas Award: Catholic Health Association of Manitoba
Service Award: André Blondeau
Charity of Choice: Holy Names House of Peace
2017 - Conrad Wyrzykowski
2016 - The Service of Consecrated Men in Manitoba
2015 - The Service of Consecrated Women in Manitoba
2014 - Actionmarguerite, Holy Family Home and St. Joseph’s Residence
2013 - The memory of Blessed Nykyta Budka and more than 100 years of the Ukrainian Catholic Church in Manitoba
2012 - The Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions
2011 - St.Amant
2010 - Most Reverend V. James Weisgerber, Ph.L., S.T.L., D.D.
2009 - L’Arche Winnipeg
2008 - The Sisters of the Good Shepherd and Marymound
2007 - The Catholic Schools of Manitoba
2006 - The Knights of Columbus of Manitoba
2005 - Jaroslaw Barwinsky, M.D., F.R.C.S.C., F.A.C.S, F.A.C.C, F.A.C.C.P.
2004 - The Congregation of The Missionary Oblate Sisters of St. Boniface
2003 - Most Reverend Peter Sutton, O.M.I., D.D. and Most Reverend Reynald Rouleau, O.M.I., D.D.
2002 - The Community of Rossbrook House
2001 - Leo Mol, O.C., O.M., L.L.D., R.C.A.
2000 - Missionaries of Charity Sisters of Winnipeg
1999 - The Misericordia Sisters
1998 - His Grace Archbishop Leonard J. Wall, S.T.D., D.D.
1997 - Pauline Dyrkacz, Céline Houde, Patricia Soenen, Madeline Spence, Elizabeth Willcock, C.M.
1996 - Son Excellence Monseigneur Antoine Hacault, D.D.
1995 - Joseph C. Stangl, K.S.G., C.M.
1994 - Sisters of St. Benedict
1993 - The Society of Mary (the Marianists)
1992 - Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate (Ukrainian Order)
1991 - The Catholic Women’s League of Canada,
Manitoba Provincial Council, La Ligue féminine catholique du
Manitoba, The Ukrainian Catholic Women’s League of Canada,
Winnipeg Archeparchy
1990 - Roland Couture, C.M., Arthur V. Mauro O.C., John J. Nowosad
1989 - The Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary
1988 - The Manitoba Clergy of the Ukrainian Catholic Church, The Redemptorist Fathers, The Order of
St. Basil the Great, The Secular Priests
1987 - The Society of Jesus
1986 - The Oblates of Mary Immaculate
1985 - The Grey Nuns of Manitoba
1984 - Honourable F.L. (Bud) Jobin, Lieutenant-Governor of Manitoba
1983 - His Eminence George B. Cardinal Flahiff, C.S.B., C.C., D.D.
1982 - His Grace Archbishop Maxim Hermaniuk, C.Ss.R.
1981 - Edwin G. Cass, Joseph Donovan, William English
1980 - Son Excellence Monseigneur Maurice Baudoux, D.D.
1979 - His Grace Archbishop Philip F. Pocock, D.D.

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About the Catholic Foundation of Manitoba Awards Gala (formally known as the Caritas Award Dinner)

Past Award Recipients

About the Catholic Foundation of Manitoba Awards Gala
(formally known as the Caritas Award Dinner)