Ayesha Badiola

On Monday night, the University of Manitoba Bison's men’s hockey team faced the Ukrainian Men’s National Hockey Team in a charity game at the Canada Life Centre as a part of Canada West’s “Hockey Can’t Stop Tour.  

For former Steinbach Piston and current Bison Cody Behun, the opportunity to play in the game was a “special moment.” 

For many organizations, 2022 came with challenges due to changes such as pandemic restrictions and increasing prices. Despite those barriers, Agape House found the positives and made the most of the past year. 

Looking back, Executive Director Tracy Whitby says that 2022 was “fantastic” for the organization. The lifting of restrictions allowed them to hold in-person events such as Teddy Bear Fun Day and participate in the Taste of Summer Charity Barbecue. 

Steinbach and Area Animal Rescue President Michelle Neufeld says that 2022 was one of the busiest years that they’ve ever had. 

They rescued 291 animals with 25% from the Steinbach area and 75% from outside of the city. Neufeld says that the “number just increases all the time.”  

They provide services for Steinbach and surrounding communities in Hanover. However, they have stretched as far as Piney and have even received calls from Brandon. 

Grade 12 students Kayla Wiebe and Ayesha Badiola share a passion for women in sports. 

Wiebe is a taekwondo instructor and has been in the sport for nearly a decade. Both her dad and older sister were in the sport, which inspired her to join the club. When talking about taekwondo, she says that it has done “so much” for her. 

Operation Red Nose wrapped up a successful season of offering safe rides.  

Jo-Anne Dalton of the Steinbach-La Broquerie team says that this year, they gave 193 rides to 435 clients over the holiday season. This was possible with the help of 173 volunteers.  

12-year-olds Greyson and Marek Muzyka play for the Ste. Anne Aces hockey club. This holiday season, their team found a way to spread the cheer.  

“Our hockey team went to go shovel some seniors’ decks because some weren't capable to do it. We don't want them to hurt themselves, so we went and shovelled it for them. It was a big team bonding. We had so much fun,” Greyson said.  

Marek adds that “it was good for the team,” and that it brought them together. 

After years of being unable to serve youth like they normally do, in March 2022, Youth for Christ Steinbach was finally able to open their doors and invite them in. 

For Executive Director Rueben Singh, seeing youth back in their building was one of this year’s “biggest highlights.” He adds that around 30 youths come to connect and build relationships every night. 

The arts are a vital part of our community. When the world came to a halt due to the pandemic, Steinbach Arts Council’s Executive Director David Klassen had to find a way to adapt and keep the creativity flowing.  

From navigating through post-pandemic transitions to stepping into the role of executive director in June, Klassen has had a packed year. In addition, he and his team were thrilled to be able to offer the opportunities once again in full capacity. 

It’s the final week of Operation Red Nose. 

Jo-Anne Dalton with the Steinbach-La Broquerie group shares her excitement for both new and familiar volunteer faces. 

“We've had so many of our volunteers who come out every year, come back, which was great to see after not operating for a couple of years. We have this really great core group and lots of new volunteer faces too, which has been awesome,”  

All hands were on deck this year at Southeast Helping Hands. Like many other organizations, the pandemic’s transitions and other changes affected their duties. 

Operations Manager Ken Dyck is grateful for the community's help and reflects on 2022. 

“Our community is amazing. I mean, most people know if we're in need, they all come together, so you know what, it's always worked and I keep hoping and praying that it will keep on working,”