When you walk into the kitchen at Ronald McDonald House Manitoba, you instantly feel something special. It’s more than a place to prepare food — it’s a space filled with compassion, warmth and hope. Recently, the Vickar Nissan team joined the House’s Home for Dinner program, and the experience left a lasting mark on everyone who took part.
Cooking for 40 Families
On a crisp evening in Winnipeg, Vickar Nissan’s General Manager Nick Guffei led a group of volunteers to the House to cook dinner for more than 40 families. The menu was simple and comforting — but the impact was immeasurable.
“We had a lot of fun providing and cooking a meal for the 40 families staying at Ronald McDonald House with sick kids in the hospital. It was really a great experience to see the families come down and smile, in probably one of the hardest times in their lives. Just to be able to provide a meal that they don’t have to worry about was very rewarding.”
Alongside Nick were Dave, Adriano, Aman, Hailey and Dave’s mom — each representing Vickar Nissan with the same dedication they bring to their customers every day. The team took on every part of the evening — chopping, stirring, serving and sharing smiles with families who needed a moment of comfort.
A Home Away From Home
The Home for Dinner program is one of Ronald McDonald House Manitoba’s most meaningful initiatives. Each evening, volunteer groups prepare and serve a meal for families staying at the House while their children are receiving medical care. For parents spending long hours in a hospital room, the simple gift of a warm meal and friendly faces means everything.
Nick and the team saw that firsthand. When families came down to eat, there was a palpable sense of relief. For a short while, they didn’t have to worry about groceries or dishes. They could sit together, share stories, and remember that they’re not alone.
That moment of togetherness is the heart of Ronald McDonald House’s mission — keeping families close when it matters most.
The Vickar Community Spirit in Action
Community service has always been part of Vickar Nissan’s DNA. From supporting local events and fundraisers to partnering with organizations that make a difference, the dealership team believes that success is measured by impact as much as sales.
“Dave, Adriano, Aman, Hailey, myself and Dave’s mom all represented Vickar Nissan very well and with pride. Can’t wait for the next time!”
That pride runs through every aspect of what the Vickar Automotive Group stands for — a genuine commitment to being “Your Community Minded Dealerships.” The Ronald McDonald House evening wasn’t just a volunteer event; it was a reflection of the values that guide the company daily.
Beyond the Meal
For the Vickar Nissan volunteers, the evening was more than about food. It was about connection and perspective. The families they served are facing uncertainty and stress — yet they met the team with kindness and gratitude. That exchange left a deep impression on everyone.
Moments like this remind us why community involvement matters. They bring people together across different walks of life and strengthen the fabric of our city. When a dealership team can step away from the showroom and step into a kitchen to serve others, it creates a bond that lasts.
A Shared Mission
Ronald McDonald House Manitoba supports thousands of families every year, providing accommodation, meals and programs that let parents focus on their child’s health. Everything they do is built around the idea of keeping families close.
By participating in Home for Dinner, Vickar Nissan became part of that mission. As Nick and his team cleaned up at the end of the night, there was a shared understanding that this would not be a one-time effort — it was the start of a continuing relationship. Nick even added with a smile, “Silome next week!” — already looking forward to the next chance to help.
The Reward of Giving Back
Volunteering can transform the way you see your community. For Nick and the team, seeing parents smile and children relax for just a moment was the greatest reward. No sales goal or award compares to the feeling of making someone’s day a little easier.
That’s why Vickar Nissan continues to seek out opportunities to serve and support. The dealership’s philosophy extends far beyond the lot — it’s about building a stronger, kinder Winnipeg.
How You Can Help
If you’d like to be part of this kind of impact, you can support Ronald McDonald House Manitoba in many ways: by volunteering for Home for Dinner, sponsoring a program, or donating directly to the House.
You can make a difference today by visiting:
Make a Donation | Ronald McDonald House Manitoba | View homepage
Every contribution helps keep families close to their children when they need it most.
Looking Ahead
As Vickar Nissan reflects on this experience, the team is already planning future volunteer initiatives. Each event is a chance to build connections, strengthen relationships and live out the values that define the Vickar Automotive Group.
Nick Guffei closed his thank-you message to the team by writing:
“Thank you all for your commitment to representing the Vickar Community Spirit so well.”
That spirit is alive and well at Vickar Nissan — and it shows that when local businesses and community organizations work together, they can bring comfort, hope and belonging to those who need it most.
