Winter has arrived, and so has the time to drop off your blue boxes at one of the Jewish National Fund’s (JNF) collection events to ensure you receive a tax receipt in the new year.

The loonies, toonies and quarters that you’ve been collecting in your blue box are needed to support Israel in its six development areas: community development and security, education, water management, forestry and environment, tourism and recreation and research and development. 

To make it easier for you, we’ve arranged to hold drop off locations in collaboration with other organizations at their Chanukah events across Winnipeg.  If you’re on your way to an event, grab your blue box as you head out the door and exchange it for a new one when you arrive at the Rady JCC, Shaftesbury Park Retirement Residence or Etz Chayim.

On Sunday, December 7 we’ll be at the Rady JCC at 12:00 pm as they kick off the holiday season with their “Going Green Chanukah Family Celebration.” 

On Tuesday, December 16 at 1:00 pm we’ll be at Shaftesbury Park Retirement Residence with coffee, tea and cookies while the children from Gray Academy perform a Chanukah Concert.

We also hope to see you at the first night community candle-lighting in celebration of Chanukah on December 16 at the Asper Jewish Community Campus.  This community-wide event is being organized the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg, with assistance from the Jewish National Fund and numerous other agencies and synagogues in Winnipeg.   While this is not a blue box drop off event, it is a great way to kick-off Chanukah surrounded by family and friends.

Then on Thursday, December 18 at 6:00 pm we’ll join Etz Chayim’s “Annual Chanukah Celebration.” 

We’ll see you and your blue boxes there!

If none of these times work for you, you can also drop off your blue boxes at the JNF office at 225-530 Kenaston between 9am-5pm Monday-Thursday and 9am-3pm on Friday, or call to arrange a pick-up.  We appreciate all donations, but please note that in order to receive a full income tax receipt your blue box must contain $18 or more.

We want to thank the Winnipeg community for their dedication and support they have shown to the JNF over the years, and wish everyone a “Happy Chanukah!”