The Winkler and Morden community foundations area pleased with the community participation they saw during Pay It Forward May.
Participants at Regional Connections’ “Play It Forward” event in Morden Park Saturday, where volunteers collected donations for the local food bank and organized a host of friendly competitions, including potato sack races
Bev Wiebe, community development co-ordinator with the Winkler Community Foundation, said they were incredibly grateful for everyone who took the time to pay it forward in ways both big and small over the past four weeks.
From businesses hosting barbecues and giveaways to neighbours helping neighbours to students giving back through acts of kindness and service, every gesture made a difference.
“These acts, big and small, have the power to brighten someone’s day and strengthen the sense of community around us,” Wiebe said. “The Winkler Community Foundation and Morden Area Foundation have been so encouraged to witness how our communities continue to care for one another, show up for each other and promote what it truly means to be a good neighbour.
“We know that many acts of kindness happen quietly behind the scenes without recognition. While we only hear about some of the good taking place, we are certain there is far more happening every day than we will ever know,” she continued. “Being a good neighbour does not require a great deal of time, money or effort. Even the smallest act of kindness can leave a lasting impact, and we believe our community will continue to feel the positive effects of this campaign all summer long.
“Thank you to everyone who participated in this campaign. Our community is stronger because of each person who chose to make a difference through one simple act of kindness.”
Here are just a few of the Pay It Forward events that the foundations were made aware of over the past few weeks:
• Breezy Way Farm gave away free eggs to families.
• KM Seasonal Services offered free mowing services.
• Regional Connections hosted a “Play it Forward” community food drive and family activity afternoon.
• Winker Wizards Special Olympics paid it forward to the Winkler Elementary School by hosting a walkathon and donating the funds raised to the school for gym equipment.
• Emerado Centennial School organized a bake and craft sale in support of Genesis House and CancerCare Manitoba.
• Northlands Parkway Collegiate students made Pay It Forward pins for each student and staff in the school and took part in challenges every day to encourage kind actions.
• Garden Valley Collegiate business management students delivered gift baskets to business neighbours and shared gifts at the Winkler Chamber of Commerce gala for all attendees.
• Pembina Valley Local Immigration Partnership encouraged community members to complete a checklist of tasks to promote getting to know their neighbours and being a friendly community.
• Triple E had their staff serve the meal at Central Station Community Centre’s Café 545 as a way of paying it forward.
• Choice Realty hosted a Pay It Forward barbecue May 28 for the community.
