This week in good news (Dec. 13-19)

This week sprinkled pre-Christmas Cheer through the love people showed to others through support like donations and thoughtful decorations.

Salvation Army Christmas kettle campaign goes contactless

The Salvation Army is using new, pandemic-friendly options for their annual Christmas Kettles Campaign to help Manitobans help others safely this holiday season.

A new digital, touchless option will allow people across Canada to donate safely to the campaign.

Churches leaders hoping to help during pandemic

Manitoba's Chief Public Health Officer says churches are stepping up to help their neighbours despite province-wide restrictions.

Dr. Brent Roussin says many faith leaders have been discussing with him how their churches can help others. Currently, churches are not permitted to host in-person worship services but can provide some social services such as counselling.

WATCH: Manitoba pastor spreads Christmas joy to thousands with outdoor carols

It started as a favour for one friend and now it's reaching thousands of people every night, bringing joy to a difficult Christmas season.

"It started completely as a surprise," Joan van der Linde says.

"It" was singing Christmas carols from the front deck of her home in Morris, Man.

'Christians stayed and cared:' What believers can learn about COVID-19 from the early church

The early church had to navigate many trials, including epidemics. But does their response to deadly illness still relate to us today?

Providence University sociology professor Dr. Dennis Hiebert thinks it does.

Hiebert says theology through a sociological lens presents an interesting opportunity to examine faith from beyond its margins in a way that speaks to both Christianity and the Church.

Special Christmas Eve announcement involving YOU

This Christmas Eve, all are invited to join together and make a joyful noise outside on your lawn or deck for all to hear.

CHVN is inviting its family of listeners to tune in on December 24 at 7:00 pm, as together we step outside of our homes and sing a few Christmas carols together.

While we know many churches may be streaming their own services at that time, we invite all who are able to join us.

From dark and lonely to merry and bright

A group of volunteers have sore feet and backs but say it was worth it seeing the joy on the faces of residents in a Manitoba care home.

Rachelle Chwaluk along with her husband, kids, and their friends put up Christmas trees complete with decorations and lights outside of each of the resident's windows to bring them some cheer this season.

MMF donating $50,000 to Christmas Cheer Board

The Manitoba Metis Federation says their 20-year commitment to the Cheer Board demonstrates their shared value of "coming together as a community."

Hampers are being swapped for food vouchers this year due to health and safety concerns, but the MMF wants to make sure all children, despite their circumstances, can have a Christmas.

New $17.5 million fund to provide vulnerable populations with housing help

Those at risk of experiencing homelessness, ageing out of the child welfare system or experiencing other issues such as addictions could soon be eligible for a housing benefit.

Province of Manitoba, End Homelessness Winnipeg, and other organizations are partnering to deliver a Canada-Manitoba Housing Benefit from the Government of Canada.

Tiny evergreen tree brings enormous joy to Winnipeg community

A Charlie Brown-like Christmas tree is bringing one Winnipeg community together.

With Christmas just around the corner and no end in sight to the COVID 19 closures, St. James area resident Ricardo Martinez figured it was time for some positive change.

Together with his family, Martinez decided to decorate a small evergreen tree located in the middle of Marjorie Park, right across the street from his house.

MercyMe's newest song inspiring listeners with its powerful message

A song about overcoming seemingly impossible obstacles has created a firestorm from people on social media.

MercyMe's latest song is called 'Say I Won't'. The song was inspired by an old friend, Gary.

Pay it Backward helps people in need during Canada's harsh winter

A non-profit organization is collecting donations for socks to hand out to those experiencing homelessness this winter, with a positive message.

Ray Kuik is a self-proclaimed idealist.

Through marketing his book, Kuik the founder of Pay It Backward became friends and decided to collaborate and inspire people to give back in the US and Canada.

One couple uses dentistry and design as their missions field

A Winnipeg couple is building houses in the Dominican Republic virtually this year.

Brent and Wendy Wong own Shine Dental in Winnipeg. Brent is the lead dentist and Wendy went to school for interior design. The couple has put their passion to use in the kingdom of God with their ministry called Shine the Light.

"A normal trip would take place three times a year. We go down in January, May, and October and we've done these trips for the past 15 years or so," says Brent.

WATCH: Winnipeg church puts out Christmas movie with all-kids cast

What started as a dream years ago for one church is now a reality as they release a Christmas movie called More Than A Manger.

Mark Werner is the Pastor of Children and Youth at Centerpoint Church Winnipeg. Kids are an important part of their ministry and the church runs one of the largest day camps in the city each summer.

Canadians overcome pandemic challenges to help children in need

Volunteers and staff in Calgary are busy sorting and counting donated gifts from all across Canada that will head out to children across the globe in the new year.

Despite the pandemic, millions of shoebox gifts for the Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child ministry were collected this year in Canada, the United States, UK, Australia, Germany and South Korea.

Creativity, determination, and faith inspired many individuals, families, churches, and groups to persevere in their efforts to pack shoeboxes amidst unprecedented challenges.

Woman working 2 jobs to afford school gets boost from foundation

A woman says she feels inspired after being chosen for a scholarship and hopes other students get the same opportunity to pursue their dreams, regardless of their financial status.

Morgan Neault is a Metis student at the University of Winnipeg, studying Education. She works two jobs, one full time and one part-time, to make her dream of being an early-years teacher come true.

Anonymous donations to late daughter's toy drive leaving others feeling blessed

A mother and grandmother say their "prayers are answered" after Manitobans helped them donate toys to the Children's Hospital Foundation.

In 2017, Tiffany Grant's daughter, Emma-Lee Arnould died of cancer. To honour Emma, Tiffany and her mother Beverly donate toys to the Children's Hospital Foundation.

Since publishing a story about the women raising funds to give gifts, anonymous donations have brought toy drive well above its $1,000 original goal.

A Winnipeg woman is feeling overwhelmed by the love shown to her by those in her community this holiday season after her home was destroyed by a fire last month.

Maria Hrabarchuk was home crocheting a Christmas stocking when she heard a loud bang come from her basement.

"The basement was completely destroyed. The first floor is all water and smoke damage," Hrabarchuk explains. "I think the fire came up through the vents so the vents on the first floor ... are burned and charred."