Historic Article

Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION

Citizens offer United Way vital input

By: Staff Writer

Posted: 10/6/2008 10:20 AM | Comments: 0 (including replies)

When the United Way put out a survey last year to see what Winnipeggers thought of their city, 96-year-old Wilhelmina Klimpke jumped at the chance to have her opinion heard.

"I've been doing surveys my whole life, because I'd rather do them than crossword puzzles," said Klimpke, "I feel like I'm doing something worthwhile."

The survey, Getting Connected, was part of the United Way's Urban Exchange program. The goal was to ignite a dialogue between real Winnipeggers and the United Way, and find out which of the city's social issues were most important to them.

"You got a chance to give your opinion and say what you actually thought," said Klimpke, who has lived in Winnipeg for more than 60 years.

Klimpke has been involved with volunteer work, as well as fundraising, since she was a little girl. Now, she's proof that anyone, at any age, can get involved and be active in what's going on in their community. "(It's) to make the city a better place to live in," she explained.

The United Way launched the survey in May of last year. Participants were asked to comment on a range of topics, from what they liked or disliked most about Winnipeg, to what they have personally done to help their community.

More than 4,000 people, some as young as 10 years old, got involved in the Urban Exchange program. Results were then reviewed by the United Way to ensure its efforts to build a better city were going in the right direction.

The survey also gave the United Way the opportunity to see in what areas the public feels the agency might be lacking.

Eric Friesen, director of engagement at the United Way, said the organization was pleased with the survey's success. "It was very exciting to see that so many people were interested in participating and having their voices heard," said Friesen. "It's all about engagement; everyone can and is invited to participate."

Friesen explained that some changes may be made in the future, based on the survey's results. However, he was happy to report that the majority of Winnipeggers were happy with the work being done by the United Way.

"Ninety per cent feel that Winnipeg is a caring community, which is quite positive," said Friesen.

The United Way has just introduced the Urban Exchanges' second survey. Exploring Our Values. Anyone interested in taking the survey can go to the website at www.mycitymysay.ca, or contact the United Way to receive a paper copy.

alana.cole@freepress.mb.ca

Some key results from the Urban Exchange questionnaire One: Getting Connected

Three top social issues identified by people who took the survey

50 per cent said youth crime and gang activity;

39 per cent said crime in general;

28 per cent said poverty.

Something positive

70 per cent of participants said that Winnipeggers, as individuals, can do something to help and make a difference.

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition October 6, 2008 $sourceSection$sourcePage

You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is register and/or login and you can join the conversation and give your feedback.

The Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective April 16, 2010; View the changes. New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.

WFP Hockey

Download our new hockey app for the iPhone for Winnipeg Jets updates
Editor's Bulletin

Sign up for daily bulletins from editor Margo Goodhand
Winnipeg Jets

All things NHL on our Jets landing page
Twitter

Follow our reporters and our news feeds on Twitter
News Cafe

Check out the menu, read our blog posts or get info on coming events
Facebook Fanpage

Follow our Facebook Fanpage for story links, contests and special events