The Coca-Cola Holiday Caravan is rolling back into Manitoba this season, bringing its illuminated red truck, Santa meet-and-greets and a renewed focus on celebrating acts of kindness across the province. Winnipeg and rural Manitoba are again part of the cross-country tour, which launched Nov. 13 on World Kindness Day and encourages Canadians to share stories of generosity through Canada’s Kindest Community — an initiative that could award $100,000 to a Manitoba charity.
Teresa Woyna, general manager of the Winnipeg distribution centre for Coke Canada Bottling, said rural Manitoba remains central to the tour’s purpose.
“We’re an independent, family-owned business. … Our purpose is intrinsically linked to making a positive difference in the communities where we operate — and we know how much community means to this province,” she said.
Woyna said the caravan was created to “spread optimism and share moments of joy nationwide,” and Manitobans have consistently submitted standout kindness stories. Last year’s examples included neighbours installing park benches for seniors, community gardens offering free produce and volunteers delivering weekly groceries.
“No act of kindness is too small,” she said. “We’re hopeful kindness will be even more contagious this year.”
Caravan stops are planned to keep the tour coast-to-coast while honouring long-standing local ties.
“We are Winnipeg’s local bottler and we’ve operated locally for over 55 years,” Woyna said. “Our local teams service thousands of customers from Winnipeg to Gypsumville to the north and to the Canadian–American border to the south.”
The Manitoba portion of the tour is staffed entirely by Coca-Cola employees, many volunteering their time. If a Manitoba community is named Canada’s Kindest Community, Community Foundations of Canada will administer the $100,000 award to a local charity.
Woyna said the heart of the initiative is recognizing simple generosity.
“By participating, Manitobans have the chance to bring meaningful support to their community. … This program is proof that even the smallest actions can make a big impact.”
How to enter
Manitobans can submit 100- to 500-word stories about acts of kindness — their own or those they’ve witnessed — and nominate their community before Jan. 1, 2026. Entries can be submitted online at www.coca-cola.com/ca/en/offerings/holiday/kindest-community, at Manitoba caravan stops or by scanning QR codes at select retailers.
In early January, Coca-Cola will highlight the top 10 communities per capita. A judging panel will then select finalists and choose Canada’s Kindest Community, which will receive a $100,000 donation.
The tour features the twinkling red truck, Santa and kindness-themed displays. Two Winnipeg stops remain this season:
• Nov. 26, 6–7:30 p.m., Food Fare, 2285 Portage Ave.
• Dec. 3, 6–7:30 p.m., Food Fare, 839 Cavalier Dr.
Families can meet Santa, take photos, explore displays and enjoy holiday activities. The full schedule is at www.coke.ca/holiday.
“Kindness is contagious — and now, more than ever, the world needs more of it,” Woyna said.
