In February 2021, as a result of a portion of the income from a generous donation of $100,000 by Manitoba Blue Cross, the Foundation recommended the creation of the MMSF Kerry Bittner Communications Award for the best communication in the MMSF Operating Grant Competition. Kerry Bittner served on the MMSF Board of Directors for 33 years. Kerry also had a successful career with Manitoba Blue Cross from 1976 to 2003 and served as President and CEO from 1983 until 2003. He was an exceptionally kind and friendly man – a true leader who had the ability to connect at a personal level, making everyone comfortable and bringing people together. He will be fondly remembered for being a true ambassador and supporter of the Foundation.

The Kerry Bittner Communication Award is to recognize a Principal Investigator who provides the best communication of an operating grant, based on the quality of the oral/visual presentation to the adjudication sub-committee. This award will be presented annually to a Principal Investigator who received the highest overall score in the competition. It may be shared in the event of a tie. The award is valued in the amount of $1,000 as a supplement to the adjudicated amount of the grant.