05/08/2025
In celebration of National Volunteer Week, Make-A-Wish Canada’s Manitoba’s Chapter is proud to announce our 2025 Volunteer Award recipients - individuals and groups who have gone above and beyond in their commitment to granting life-changing wishes.
We are thrilled to recognize Silver & Gary Peltier as our Provincial Volunteer of the Year. For 35 years, Silver and Gary Peltier have been dedicated champions of Make-A-Wish. Hosting an incredible third-party fundraiser not only have they raised nearly $1.8 million, but they have also inspired wish families to participate in their fundraisers.
We’re also celebrating Neil Haeusler – Grain Challenge Hockey Tournament, the winner of the Community Impact Award. Since 1998, Neil has played a key role in the Agricultural Hockey Tournament, and in 2003, he took over the event. Under Neil’s leadership, the tournament has raised over $570,000 and become a major annual fundraiser for Make-A-Wish Canada. Neil’s generosity, community spirit, and commitment to growing his impact is instrumental to wish granting.
And, our Rookie of the Year is Emely Diaz. Since joining in August 2024, Emely has made an immediate and meaningful impact as a volunteer. Her dedication stands out as she supports wishes not only in Manitoba but also virtually for families in Ontario—going wherever she’s needed. Emely’s flexibility, initiative, and heartfelt support make her a standout volunteer in her first year with Make-A-Wish Canada.
We are so grateful to Silver & Gary, Neil Haeusler, Emely, and all of our volunteers for their unwavering dedication. You are the reason we can continue to transform children’s lives, one wish at a time.