Volunteers of the Year – Community Leaders Dedicated to Giving Back

Cori Bridgeman (Killarney, MB, Canada), Ronald Santos (Neepawa, MB, Canada), and Marianne Tejada (Steinbach, MB, Canada) are the recipients of HyLife’s 2024 Volunteers of the Year award – an award where our team members are nominated by peers for their dedication to making a difference in their communities. 

Marianne Tejada, moved to Canada in 2018 and although new to the country, she quickly began giving back, even co-founding a charity that helps families break the cycle of poverty and pursue better opportunities. Marianne’s mission is to provide comfort and support to others, understanding firsthand the challenges of being far from extended family. 

The HyLife Accounts Payable Supervisor’s commitment to community is also a lesson for her children.  

“We’re a package deal,” she says with a smile. “We’re incredibly grateful for the opportunities we’ve been given in Canada, and I want to show them how to share that gratitude with others.” 

True to her heart, the $1,000 award was donated to MB Canada Ambassadors of Humanity, the charity she co-founded.  

Cori Bridgeman, a dedicated HyLife team member for 13 years, began her career as a Swine Technician in a sow barn before moving into production as an assistant. Today, she’s an HR Generalist, continuing to grow professionally while remaining deeply committed to her hometown of Killarney. She is one of the driving forces behind the town’s now annual outdoor concert, which attracted 3,400 people in its first year. This event has become a much-anticipated highlight of the community, with social media buzzing as soon as the performers for the next year are announced. 

“It’s incredible to see the town come together. The atmosphere is awesome. People approach me each year asking how they can help because they want to be involved after experiencing it,” says Bridgeman. 

For Cori, it’s not just the overwhelming community support that motivates her, but the tangible impact of the event.  

When it came time for her to choose where to donate the  $1,000 award, she chose Paws for Serendiptity – an animal rescue organization within her community of Killarney who has helped rescue 419 dogs since opening in 2018. Cori’s drive to help those in need shine through in her choice to support this cause.  

Lastly, Ronald Santos, our Neepawa Distribution Centre Coordinator, won this award for the second time – an impressive reflection of his dedication. Involved in his church, the local movie theatre, Neepawa’s Community Access Television Network, and as a volunteer firefighter, Ronald has made significant contributions to his community. When he was asked which charity he wishes to donate his $1,000 award to, he asked, “Can I donate to two?” showing his commitment to supporting as many causes as possible. 

He donated his $1,000 award to Victoria Quilts Canada and Wheels of Hope, two organizations that provide cancer patients with comfort and support.  

“When I came to Canada, I had nothing. The community welcomed us and offered the support we needed as newcomers. Now, I can help others in the same way,” he shares.

These three Volunteer of the Year recipients are all from different communities, but all have one thing in common – they consistently go above and beyond to make a difference. Their dedication and selfless contributions have truly made an impact and we couldn’t be more grateful to have them on the HyLife team.

Congratulations to Cori, Marianne, and Ronald – thank you for everything you do! Your hard work and positive spirit inspire us all.