Who We Are
Operation Walk Manitoba is a registered charity based in Winnipeg, Canada. We are a volunteer team of surgeons, nurses, physiotherapists, and healthcare professionals who provide free joint replacement surgeries in developing countries where access to orthopedic care is limited.
Founded in Los Angeles in 1996, Operation Walk has since grown to include 13 teams across North America. Our Winnipeg-based team launched in 2011, completing its first mission to Managua, Nicaragua, in 2012.
In 2019, we became Operation Walk Manitoba Inc. and in 2022 we were registered as a charity with the CRA and we continue to return annually as an independent team.
Our volunteers come from across Manitoba and beyond—including Brandon, Saskatoon, Kelowna,, Montreal and Toronto.
As we are 100% volunteer driven, every dollar donated supports our mission directly.
Who We Help
Nicaragua is among the poorest nations in the western hemisphere. Most people walk long distances on rugged terrain to reach basic services. For those suffering from arthritis and joint disease, daily life can be excruciating.
Our patients are courageous individuals who often endure pain for years—even decades—before surgery becomes a possibility. With limited mobility and no public healthcare options, joint disease can push entire families deeper into poverty because they are unable to work or provide for their family.
Despite the hardship, these patients show extraordinary strength. Many get up and walk within hours of surgery, with minimal medication. Their gratitude—spoken through tears and a simple “Gracias”—is deeply moving.
Leaving a Legacy
We work in close partnership with Roberto Calderon Hospital in Managua, a public teaching hospital offering limited joint replacement surgeries for impoverished patients. Our team collaborates with local surgeons, nurses, and students to build skills, enhance care, and leave a lasting impact long after each mission ends.