IT'S difficult not to feel inspired after spending an afternoon with Ginny Witkowski.
Witkowski, who had four children by the time she was 23 years old, left a difficult relationship and became a single mom.
For Ginny Witkowski, dressing in a pirate costume is just part of her working day as a party planner.
"We were dirt poor but we were free," Witkowski said.
She began a career in the financial sector, and met her new husband. But then life tossed some more lemons her way.
Pregnant with her second child with her new husband, she was hospitalized with a life- threatening condition. She would spend five months in the hospital.
"We went from being a double-income family to being a no income family in three days," Witkowski said.
And her husband became an overnight stay-at-home dad to five kids, an adjustment that yielded some interesting meals along the way.
"He knew how to make french toast, so he decided to make garlic french toast," Witkowski said with a good-natured smile. "The dog wouldn't even eat it."
After spending five months in the hospital, Witkowski was ready to try something new.
She had heard of SEED Winnipeg, a non-profit organization that receives funding from the United Way to help low-income families, and decided she wanted to start a business centred around her knack for party and event planning.
She took finance courses and participated in their savings program, and upon graduation received an interest-free loan for $500.
"Here I was a mom with six kids on welfare, with dreams just like anybody else."
She launched her business in June 2003 right around the time the transmission on the family car died.
But she managed. Even if it meant busing around in full costume, she did it.
"You really learn not to be self-conscious," she laughed.
Four years after starting the business, Witkowski is still thankful for the help she received.
"The United Way has helped my family in so many ways...and now I'm in a position to help others," she said.
She takes a special interest in hiring single mothers and young people. She has also been a member of the United Way's Speaker Bureau for the past three years, hoping her story may encourage others.
And she's still chasing dreams.
"In five years I want to be the best party and event planner in Winnipeg."
Her kids also help with the business, using their talents to entertain at corporate events and birthday parties.
The United Way is committed to reducing poverty in Winnipeg by supporting initiatives and programs that help people break the cycle of poverty.
PREVIOUS
