The Manitoba Association of Basketball Officials (MABO) has announced a record-setting donation of $5,988 to the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation through its annual “Call a Foul on Cancer” Purple Whistle Campaign.
The 2026 total marks the highest single-year fundraising amount in the initiative’s 16-year history and reflects the continued commitment of Manitoba’s basketball officiating community to supporting cancer care and research across the province.
A total of 129 basketball referees from across Manitoba participated in this year’s campaign, helping raise awareness and funds throughout the basketball season. The campaign encourages officials to wear purple whistles this past February and support fundraising efforts during games and events as a visible show of solidarity for those affected by cancer.
Over the past 16 years, MABO officials and supporters have now contributed an impressive $59,665.48 toward CancerCare Manitoba Foundation initiatives.
MABO representatives Shawn Woloski and Corey McCarthy (pictured above) recently joined CancerCare Manitoba Foundation representatives for the official cheque presentation recognizing the success of this year’s campaign.
“The continued growth of the Purple Whistle Campaign speaks to the strength and compassion of Manitoba’s basketball officiating community,” said the MABO Board of Directors. “What began as a meaningful initiative years ago has grown into a province-wide effort that continues to make a real impact in the fight against cancer. We thank every official, donor, supporter, and basketball organization that contributed to this record-setting year.”
The Purple Whistle Campaign has become a longstanding tradition within Manitoba’s basketball officiating community and continues to demonstrate the positive impact sport can have beyond the court.