Métis facility to receive proceeds from Winnipeg boxing gala

As far as Jack Park is concerned, it's a win-win situation.

Boxing fans in Winnipeg will have the opportunity to see some live boxing action, and it’s hoped that plenty of money will be raised for a worthwhile cause.

Melee Gala X, Manitoba's premier boxing gala event, is scheduled for Sept. 27 at Club Regent Casino in the city.

The Melee Gala, first held in 2013, was established by Winnipeg's United Boxing Club. Over the years it has served as a fundraiser for various charities within province.

This year's beneficiary is Michif Manor, a short-term stay facility that offers accommodations at a reduced price to Red River Métis families that travel to Winnipeg for critical health services. 

M Builds, a Winnipeg-based construction company, and the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF), the national government of the Red River Métis, have joined forces to help organize this year's event.

Park, the minister of energy and infrastructure for the MMF, said his government jumped at the opportunity to help put on the boxing gala.

"We have partnered together with M Builds on many ventures," Park said.

Park praised Michif Manor.

"It's a great opportunity for our people to have a place where they can go and stay with their children or when adults are in hospital," he said.

Park is hoping the boxing event raises upwards of $100,000. All of the proceeds will go to Michif Manor to help support the building and its operations.

Only 200 tickets will be sold for the event.

"But there's also sponsorship possibilities as well that we're using for fundraising purposes," Park said.

The evening will include a formal dinner and entertainment.

"The guests will be seated around the ring and they'll be able to take in the fights," Park said.

Several bouts will be held during the evening. Boxers from Canada and the United States will be showcased, including some members of the Canadian national team.

"It's going to be quite an exciting event," Park said.

A pair of Métis citizens, Braeden Yurkiw and Gavin Forbes, are among those with scheduled bouts for the event.

"This is more than just a match," Yurkiw said. "It’s a personal journey of strength, discipline and purpose."

Yurkiw said he's honoured to be involved in "supporting a local Manitoba charity doing truly life-changing work in our community."

Park said the majority of those attending the gala are very supportive of the sport.

"Absolutely they are boxing fans," he said. "In the city of Winnipeg we don't get much opportunity to see boxing on display. There's never really any major events that we can go to. We're not Toronto and we're not Vancouver. We're in central Canada and it's just not something that is readily available to us. It's quite an exciting opportunity actually."

MMF president David Chartrand is pleased to see partners join forces to organize the event.

"We built Michif Manor with the vision of helping our citizens who live in rural and remote areas secure a safe, culturally sensitive and well-located place to stay while they or their loved ones receive vital health care services," he said. 

"Partnering with organizations like M Builds and the United Boxing Club in support of our citizens will help Michif Manor be even more accessible to people who might otherwise not have a secure and safe place to stay. Supporting one another as Manitobans was the vision of our people when we founded this great province. And I’m proud to see that this tradition continues today."

Ryan Savage, the president of United Boxing Club, is proud of those organizing the event.

"It’s an excellent partnership and great for our community," he said. "Any time you can support amateur sport and make money for people in need is an awesome opportunity."

Robert Ferraro, M Builds managing partner, is also thrilled to be playing a role.

“It’s more than just a great event," he said. "It’s about showing up for the Métis community in a real, tangible way. Supporting Michif Manor means helping families when they need it most and that’s something we’re honoured to be part of."

Tickets for the event are available at https://www.ticketmaster.ca/melee-gala-x-winnipeg-manitoba-09-27-2025/event/110062EF6BD911BF

For more information visit www.meleegala.com