Fundraising Events

A significant portion of The Manitoba Schizophrenia Society’s operating budget comes through various fund-raising initiatives and events held through the year. The support of members and the public at large is vital to the success of each of these activities.

Iris Gala Evening
This fun and relaxed gala evening is held annually in April or May. The evening is attended by over 225 corporate, government and community leaders, and MSS supporters. A ticket to the Iris Gala includes cocktails, a full-course meal (complete with wine), award presentations, live and silent auctions of donated items, door prizes. The evening concludes with dancing to the sounds of the Ron Paley Band.

This event is a great way to treat that special someone to a night out! You can reserve your tickets year round by contacting the MSS Winnipeg Office. Also, if you are interested in helping the Iris Gala planning committee, please contact the MSS Winnipeg Office. Visit our Current Events page for up to date information on the next Iris Gala Evening.

Throughout history, the iris has long been a symbol of hope and valour. The Schizophrenia movement chose the iris as a modern symbol for those suffering from mental illness following the historic sale of "Les Irises" (by Vincent van Gogh) for more than $50 million in 1987. "Les Irises" was painted in the garden of the asylum at St. Remy, in the south of France, in May 1889 when van Gogh was having his most desperate battle with a mental illness, now believed to have been some form of psychosis.

The Journey of Hope Walk
for People with Schizophrenia
Another great MSS fundraising event, the Walk is held annually in September. Pledge forms are distributed to canvassers throughout Manitoba two months prior to the event. On the day of the Walk, over 300 MSS members, volunteers, consumers, family members, and supporters gather together and turn in their pledges.

To view more photos of the last Journey of Hope Walk held in September 2009 click HERE.

Utilizing many of the characters from the classic "Wizard of Oz" movie, the walk is held at scenic Assiniboine Park in Winnipeg. The day consists of a pledged walk, family fun, live bands, clowns, a kid’s activity area, magicians, jugglers, face painters, and dancers. There is also a free picnic lunch with more family fun and prize giveaways. A community resources tent displaying the various mental health resources available to Manitobans also highlights the walk.

Our canvassers begin collecting pledges in July, but you can start anytime during the year! Contact the Winnipeg MSS office to get your pledge form and to make a difference!

Golf Tournament
Held annually in June, at Southwood golf course in Winnipeg, this fun-filled tournament is one of the longest running fund-raisers in Manitoba. It attracts up to 144 golfers playing 18 holes in a Texas scramble foursome format. The tournament includes putting, hole-in-one, longest drive, and closest to the pin competitions, as well as great team prizes, a grand prize, and dinner draws. The day includes lunch and an evening dinner. Contact Roger Kane, chair of the comittee, should you wish to volunteer. Phone 204-786-1616.

You can reserve your place in the Golf Tournament at any time by contacting the Winnipeg MSS office.
You can also visit our Current Events page for up to date information on the next MSS Golf for Schizophrenia Tournament.

Thank You to Our Many Sponsors
We are honoured that numerous corporations, foundations and individuals have chosen to support our fundraising events.  Events of this magnitude are simply not possible without the support of sponsors.  We look forward to the community's continued support in our fundraising events, which enable us to serve the people who suffer from devastating impact of schizophrenia and psychosis.

	Community Services Council