There’s nothing like a cold bottle of water on a hot day, and a Winkler man has ensured no one has to go without as they make their way through his neighbourhood this summer.
Neil Reimer has set up a mini fridge on the front lawn of his home at 173 10th Street, placed, fittingly, beside a bench he put out for weary travellers to rest awhile. On it is a large sign encouraging anyone who needs it to help themselves to a bottle of water. A recycling bin sits nearby to collect empty bottles
“There’s another bench on Pembina Ave. and I thought, ‘I’ll put my own bench up and do ‘em one better,’” Reimer jokes.
He’d already run electrical to the end of the driveway for a light, so it was a simple matter to plug in the old bar fridge to keep the water cold and refreshing.
The bench itself has a story behind it.
“The wood all came from a tree that fell down in our front yard,” Reimer shares, gesturing to a nearby stump. “Our grandson has a sawmill and a planer and stuff like that, so he made all those planks.”
Reimer and his wife, Ellie, have kept track of how much water they’ve handed out in their second year of offering the free drinks. By their count, it’s about 720 bottles and counting.
Why do it?
“Why not?” says Reimer. “It’s not that expensive. It’s a kindness.”
If he’s out in his yard, Reimer will offer a bottle or two to walkers or bikers as they pass, but often he doesn’t even see or chat with the people enjoying this impromptu watering station—but he knows it’s appreciated, because the fridge keeps emptying, bottle by bottle.
“That’s proof there’s a need for it,” he says. “So just grab what you need to take with you on the road.”
And pay the kindness forward in some way or another, Reimer requests.
The fridge will be out until the first serious freeze, and likely back again at spring thaw next year.
