Harvest Manitoba received a significant donation from a Winnipeg church.

Just before Christmas, Covenant Christian Reformed Church hosted three fundraising performances of Handel’s Messiah, with all funds raised going to Harvest Manitoba. 

The concerts featured a 90-voice community choir, up-and-coming local soloists and a 20-member chamber orchestra directed by Dr. Stuart Sladden.

"After many months and many more hours planning, rehearsing, and performing, our Messiah concerts wrapped up just before Christmas, but the final work was put in this week when Worship coordinator Trisha Draayer Booy and Pastor Benjamin Verkerk went to Harvest Manitoba to present the cheque for the money raised from the concerts," said the church in a post on Facebook. 

In total, the church managed to raise $13,953.80.

"We are so happy to be able to contribute to this fantastic Manitoba organization who can, in turn, reach out and help so many others who need support."

The last time the church hosted a fundraising performance of Handel's Messiah was in 2019. They sold out both shows, with all funds going to Forward House, a ministry that cares for men who are looking to start a new life free from addictions, mental health issues or criminal activity.