Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries (MBLL) is committed to partnering with Manitoba communities, non-profits, and charitable organizations that help make our province an even better place to live. Our Community Champion series highlights MBLL employees that are making a difference in the lives of Manitobans through their work or volunteer efforts in the spirit of being “good together.”
Alexandra Blinder, ITS Planning Consultant, has found Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries to be an inspiring work environment that values curiosity and encourages continuous learning. She appreciates how volunteer efforts are acknowledged in meaningful ways, including corporate charitable donations made in support and recognition of employees’ altruistic efforts.
“When a company recognizes its employee volunteer hours and demonstrates commitment to community through offering program benefits, it demonstrates real commitment, not just words, but action,” said Alexandra. “It sets an example for other workplaces and reinforces a culture of responsibility, leadership, and community engagement.”
Alexandra’s current roles in volunteerism include Vice President and long-time Board Member for the National Council of Jewish Women; Board Member and serving on the Finance Committee for the General Child and Family Services Authority; and Board Member and Treasurer for the Fort Garry Women’s Resource Centre (FGWRC).
“I’m drawn to organizations that support women, children, and families, especially where strong governance and financial stewardship can create lasting impact,” said Alexandra. “Empowered women build resilient families and stronger communities.”
FGWRC supports women and gender-diverse people with wellness workshops, legal consultation clinics, resource navigation, and safe spaces. For many, the Centre provides that first point of safety, dignity, and direction during very uncertain moments.
“Their focus on emotional resilience, self-compassion, and empowerment deeply aligns with my personal values,” said Alexandra. “When women have access to knowledge, resources, and community, they can move forward with confidence and dignity.”
She discovered FGWRC from conversations with newcomers to Winnipeg who had accessed their services. Through her own experiences, she found a strong connection with shared stories about how the Centre provided guidance, safety, and practical support during very vulnerable times.
“When we arrived in Canada, individuals and organizations helped us navigate everything including understanding systems, transportation, building resumes, and connecting to professionals in our field,” said Alexandra. “One person even took me grocery shopping to help me find familiar foods. That kindness stayed with me.”
Immigrating twice, first from Ukraine to Israel at eight years old and then from Israel to Winnipeg ten years ago, she learned how essential community support is and how such generosity shaped her own journey. Volunteering was her way of paying that forward.
With her background in financial governance and strategic planning, she offered financial literacy workshops for women, helping them build confidence in budgeting, saving, and long-term planning.
One of the most meaningful moments for Alexandra followed a financial literacy workshop that she facilitated in which one of the participants reached out to share that she had reduced her grocery expenses by $300 a month and was able to use those savings to register her daughter for soccer. It was a tangible moment to see how financial education translated directly into opportunity and joy for a child.
Her advice for first-time employees volunteering is to start small, as even two hours a month can make a difference and the personal growth you gain far exceeds the time you give.
“Choose something aligned with your values or strengths,” said Alexandra. “Volunteering is a powerful leadership development opportunity, it builds empathy, collaboration, and perspective.”
Alexandra plans to continue deepening her involvement with FGWRC, not only through governance, but also by supporting fundraising initiatives, community collection drives, and continuing to offer financial literacy workshops. She was very grateful that MBLL launched a corporate-wide collection drive in support of FGWRC to celebrate International Women’s Month in March.
Access to basic essentials like food and hygiene products can be the first step toward stability. She wants to help grow initiatives that ensure women and their families have consistent access to these supports.
“I know what it feels like to arrive somewhere new and need guidance,” said Alexandra. “If my time, skills, or connections can make someone’s path even a little easier, then that is time very well spent.”
Read more Our Stories here.