The Winnipeg Ostomy Association was a self-help group formed in 1972 to assist people with ostomy and related surgeries in Winnipeg and now has been renamed to the Ostomy Manitoba Association and continues to welcome members from all corners of the province. The Ostomy Manitoba Association is a non-profit registered charity run by volunteers with the support of medical advisors. Ostomy Manitoba Association governance, activities, and planning are done through member involvement.  Funds used to operate are generated by way of membership dues and charitable donations. The Ostomy Manitoba Association has a current membership of 200, while there are approximately 4,000 ostomates in Manitoba.