Smooth end to bumpy ride

LAST month, I was on my way back to Winnipeg from Winkler. I was driving along Highway 23 when the ride got very bumpy.

I realized to my dismay I had a flat tire. Since I have no idea how to change a tire, I drove on very slowly, hoping to reach a service station in Morris, which was not too far away. However, it wasn’t long before a truck driver made a U-turn on the highway and flagged me down. He had the tire changed in a short time, and I made it safely back to Winnipeg. He would not accept any payment. His name was Joe Anderson, and he lived on a farm nearby.

Thank you very much, Joe Anderson, for your kindness. I shall try to pay it forward.

Free tickets to rock concert a real treat

ON Sept. 17, AC/DC performed at Investor’s Group Field. My husband, my son and I decided we would go listen to the concert outside of the stadium.

We were listening along with a whole bunch of other people outside the gate when a lady and her small child approached the three of us. She offered us her tickets but warned they may not work because they had already been scanned once, so my son and I walked up to the gate and told security about the situation.

The tickets did not work, so we walked back to my husband, who was standing there waiting for us. The lady must have seen us return, because again she approached us and proceeded to give us two other tickets she had and said these ones would work because they had not been scanned yet. This second set of tickets worked, and we went in to watch the concert.

Whoever this lady was, she gave us such a gift and an incredible experience. It’s amazing the people you meet in your life sometimes.

Bombers fans are ‘the best’

I was a volunteer parking lot attendant at the Banjo Bowl earlier this month.

After games, our job is to help clear the parking lots as quickly, efficiently and safely as possible. Some motorists are a little impatient, but for the most part they’re pretty good.

While on duty at my post before the game, one kind lady who was having a Bombers tailgate party nearby brought me a plate with a smokie, pepperoni stick and potato chips on it, as well as a cold bottle of water. Half an hour later, she brought me some dessert.

This was one kind act that shows Bomber fans are the best. They are true blue, with a heart of gold.

Strangers stepped in to retrieve purse

Recently, my faith in humanity was bolstered. I left my purse on the bus into work on Sept. 12 while travelling down Ness Avenue, a fact I only realized upon trying to unlock my office door.

I immediately called 311 but, as is often the case with lines like 311, I was put on hold. I went back to the bus stop and paced, becoming more frantic with every minute I remained on hold.

After 15 minutes, I was full-out panicking. I finally waved to a driver who was making the turn and explained what had happened.

The woman, without question, told me to get in and she would retrace the bus route until we found the bus.

Nice treat at nail salon

I would like to say a big thank-you to the nice lady I had the pleasure to sit next to at Central Nails at St. Vital Centre on July 30.

I’m a senior, and I decided to have my first pedicure. I was lucky to sit next to a young lady. We made small talk (no names were exchanged) and just chatted away.

I had a manicure and pedicure. When I went to pay, I was told the lady seated next to me had paid the bill for me. I could not believe it.

I’ve never had this happen before. So again, a big thank-you to the nice lady. It was much appreciated.

Beloved aunt’s funeral a day to remember

My aunt Claire, Mom’s sister, was a beautiful, vivacious woman with a sense of fun and adventure. That is, until an accident several years ago changed her life forever.

She passed away last January, and as per her wish, her ashes were to be buried next to her parents in Ashern. The day of the service and burial, Aug. 28, started out with a thunderstorm that gave way to a beautiful, sunny late summer day.

My parents had driven to Winnipeg from Edmonton a couple of days earlier, and when it was time to make the drive to Ashern, Dad handed my husband the keys to the Cadillac, and off we went.

And then it happened — the Caddy died. Right there on Route 90.

Gift from caring driver comforted boy after collision

I was driving in the south end when I came to a busy intersection.

Traffic had slowed down a great deal because of a pretty bad accident between a car and a minivan. There were at least five adults on the scene, as well as a young boy, none of whom seemed to be hurt.

While waiting at the light, I saw a Shaw van signal, pull into the lane in front of me and turn towards the scene. The driver then went towards the crash site, pulled off to the side, put a pylon behind his truck and went towards the assembled people with a plastic bag in hand.

He walked up to the boy and his mother and then crouched down to talk to the boy. After a short exchange, he pulled a stuffed teddy bear out of the bag and gave it to the boy, who gratefully snatched it up. This was obviously a situation where the child could use some extra comfort, and a total stranger went well out of his way and far beyond his call of duty to provide just that.

Restaurant surprise a real treat

My husband and I were having lunch at Smitty’s on Pembina Highway when a nice young man in the next booth surprised us by paying for our lunch. (He and I had a non-verbal exchange, which may have prompted the lovely treat.) We will try to pay it forward.

— Pat Johnston

Share your random acts of kindness by emailing kindness@freepress.mb.ca.

Blown away by generosity shown by strangers

I want to give a great big thank-you to Sam Henderson and her family for hosting a surprise fundraiser in benefit of my family.

I had only met Sam once through a mutual friend, and she was moved by how my family was dealing with a very difficult situation. She knew our family and friends had contributed a lot to help, so she organized a fundraising event and invited her family, friends and associates.

Wow. We were completely taken aback by this. She organized a party at her house in the country, and more than 130 people came out on a hot summer night. The entire evening happened thanks to donations and strangers showing kindness to our family.

The result was more than $8,000 raised and gifted to my family. I cannot even begin to thank Sam, all the people who attended and those who donated prizes for the auctions, food and the tent, tables and chairs. A special thanks to Kim, who donated her eatery’s services, and the band Rylan, which kept the crowd dancing all night.

Thanks to Grace Hospital for the great care

I would like to commend Grace Hospital’s emergency department for the attention extended to me during a recent visit.They have an excellent staff who did a great job taking care of me. Too often we are quick to criticize, but not often enough quick to praise.Thank you for a job well done.

— Walter Lotocki

Share your random acts of kindness by emailing kindness@freepress.mb.ca.

Tow trouble

WHAT a sinking feeling when I went to my car in downtown Winnipeg and found it was gone.

Feeling desperate, I returned to the last business outlet I had visited. The owner of Warehouse Artworks, Rod, said to his daughter, “Give her a ride to the car storage.”

He knew right away my car had been towed. Marielle walked me to her car and kindly drove me to the car storage site on Higgins Street, and sure enough, my vehicle was there. Marielle told me they have done this many times before.

Thank you so much to Rod and Marielle for their empathy in helping visitors to Winnipeg who get caught unaware parking on Notre Dame Avenue is different from parking on the side streets connected to it. Their quick response provided the calming assurance needed in a tense situation.

Stranger helped senior in need

ON July 8, my 91-year-old mother was not feeling well and arranged to travel from her apartment to the walk-in clinic at Grant Avenue and Kenaston Boulevard.She was surprised and unnerved to receive a diagnosis of shingles, and was given a prescription. My mother uses a walker, and the closest pharmacy was in the Real Canadian Superstore, across a busy street and too far to walk.I would like to thank Lynn Krepart — who happened to be in the waiting room and understood how difficult it would be for my mother to get the prescription — for volunteering to pick it up for her. You took time out of your day to help a stranger in need. Though it may have seemed to be a small act, your kindness and thoughtfulness is very much appreciated.

— Cheryl Rajfur

Share your random acts of kindness by emailing kindness@freepress.mb.ca.

Couple took the time to help stranded strangers

THE early afternoon of July 7, my wife and I were travelling north on Highway 206 just outside of Oakbank in our classic car.

The gas gauge read a quarter full, and I mentioned to my wife we would need to fill up at the next opportunity. About 10 seconds later, the car sputtered.

It was 30 C out that afternoon, but we never had time to worry. After only a few seconds, a couple pulled up in their truck and asked what was wrong. Minutes later, they headed to Oakbank to fetch us some gasoline. A short time later, they returned with 19 litres of gas and would not take anything for helping us out. The man simply replied, “I hope someone would do it for me.”

Thank you very much to all the people in this day and age of ‘rush rush rush’ who will still take the time to save someone on the side of the road.

Team makes fair fantastic

I would like to thank the Strathclair mixed softball team for once again letting my son Robert, who has special needs, hang out with them during a game at the Strathclair Agricultural Society’s annual fair (on July 14).

Robert looks forward to this every year and gets his baseball glove out at least one week before we drive to the fair.

This year, during the last inning they let him play second base, then let him go to bat just before the game ended. Robert managed to get around the bases.

It truly is the highlight of the day for him, even surpassing the pie-eating contest.

Winnipeg still the friendliest city: ex-resident

MY sister Wendy and I flew into Winnipeg on July 12 and stayed downtown at the Holiday Inn, kitty-corner to the Bay. We were born and raised in Winnipeg and now live in B.C.

This trip was because our younger sister, Christine, had written a play that was being produced at the Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival, and we wanted to be there on opening night.

We had such a great time, I felt I should let you all know Winnipeg is still the friendliest city in Canada (and maybe the world).

We went out to find a convenience store one night, at around 11 p.m., and asked the lone person we saw on the street if we were headed in the right direction. Not only did he point out the way, he walked back with us until the building came into view. So much for being afraid to venture out at night!

Bus driver a real gentleman

On a recent city bus trip to Walmart, Marion Thompson forgot her cane at the bus bench she was waiting at. She realized it too late to go back, so she told the bus driver about it. He told her he would check for it on his return trip. He would be back at the Walmart stop by 12:23. She went back to the bus stop at that time and the driver had found her cane and returned it to her. She knew he didn’t have to do that but she was very happy he did. Thank you to the thoughtful driver who went out of the way to help her!At the grocery store the next day, Marion was buying pickles for a church function when the customer in front of her paid for her pickles! She is on a fixed income so it was also truly appreciated. Thank you to Brandon for his generosity!

There ARE many kind people everywhere! Hopefully we keep the spirit of “paying it forward” alive and well!

Share your random acts of kindness by emailing kindness@freepress.mb.ca

— Dorothy Matischuk

Thanks for turning in my wallet

On Sunday, Aug. 2, I was shopping with my daughter at the Kenaston box stores. I was in Marshall’s waiting to pay for my purchase when I realized I did not have my wallet. After much panicking and running around the store, my daughter went into Atmosphere, next to Marshall’s, and a store employee said a man had found my wallet in the parking lot and turned it in to Atmosphere. My wallet was all intact, ID, credit card and everything.

I do not know who you are but a huge thank you to this wonderful honest man for turning in my wallet.

Share your random acts of kindness by emailing kindness@freepress.mb.ca

— Lisa Frailick

Helping dad was a lifesaver

I would like to thank the kind stranger who stopped to help my dad, Ernie Gaudreau, who is 83 and has dementia. This passerby stopped and found my dad face-down, knocked out on St. Mary’s Rd. They called an ambulance and he was taken to St. Boniface Hospital emergency; he is still in hospital waiting to go into supportive housing. This happened on the morning of Wednesday, July 8. No one knows the true story of what happened, since my dad’s memory of the event changes daily. Whoever you are, I hope you’re reading this and are aware of how much his family appreciates what you did that day. It could have turned out much worse but thanks to your efforts as well as those of the paramedics, doctors and nurses, our dad is getting the care he needs and is still with us.

— Erin Crozier

Share your random acts of kindness by emailing kindness@freepress.mb.ca

A big thank you for the big yellow umbrella

A few weeks ago, my family had just finished a delicious pizza lunch at the St. Norbert Farmers’ Market when the skies opened up and we where caught in a downpour. We ran for cover under a narrow wooden archway, where I waited with my nine-month-old daughter and three-year-old son while my husband ran to get our car to pick us up. While we waited, the wind picked up and started blowing the rain toward us. A woman eating lunch in her vehicle parked on the side of the road noticed how wet my children and I were getting and jumped out of her vehicle with a huge yellow umbrella. She stood with us and sheltered us from the rain until my husband pulled up. Then she escorted us to our car under that yellow umbrella, getting wet herself. It was a lovely gesture that was very much appreciated. We would have had a wet, crying baby and toddler had it not been for her. Thank you!

— Angela Bergen Plett

An excellent employee

I had an appointment with Ecoline Windows on a Friday afternoon.

The estimator came down to discuss the job, and I went into the kitchen to get him a cool drink because it was a hot day. As I returned to the enclosed porch where the job was to be done, I tripped on the step and gashed my head on a table corner.

The wound was bleeding, and the estimator kindly and quickly assisted me to his car, then drove me to the clinic and waited while I was treated with stitches. He would not leave until someone from my family would come to pick me up.

This was an unusual and very much appreciated act of kindness. Ecoline has a wonderful employee in this gentleman.

Thanks for helpful honking of car horn

My vehicle is a small Volkswagen, and as such, it can be challenging to see around larger vehicles such as trucks and SUVs, especially when they park in the end stall or on a street corner.

In parts of the U.S., larger vehicles are prohibited from taking these spots because they pose a danger to smaller vehicles attempting to enter traffic.

The U.S. also does a much better job of marking parking spots, and they’re wider — reducing door dings. (Mayor Bowman, are you reading this?)

One weekend late last month, I was attempting to turn east off Waterfront Drive onto Provencher Boulevard in rush-hour traffic. I pulled into the intersection and faced a pickup truck waiting to turn west onto Provencher.

Amanda went out of her way

On Saturday, July 18, I spoke with a lady named Amanda from the MTS help line.

I cannot thank this lady enough for the many hours she spent with me on the phone fixing multiple problems I was having with the transfer of programs from one server to the next.

She went out of her way to even search issues she was unsure of, and always reassured me if one thing did not work, then she would look for another.

Not only did she correct issues I was having with my PC, she also corrected program issues with my iPad.

Aid after scooter mishap greatly appreciated

I was at Kildonan Park on my scooter and tried to make it up the hill. Unfortunately, I did not make it. The scooter and I fell backwards down the hill, and I could not get up.

My wife was on her scooter near the main road and called for help. A young man ran to get help and returned with a few other helpers.

These folks, a young lady and three young men, were just incredible as they picked me up and put me on my scooter. (I say “incredible” because it was no small task — I am not a lightweight.)

They called 911 and stayed with me until I was put into the ambulance. I caused a lot of damage to my arm and some to my leg, as well as my pride.

Wallet returned after Rockin’ the Red

MY husband and I would like to say thanks to the kind person who found and turned in his wallet to the Half Moon Drive In the evening of July 11, during the Rockin’ on the Red event.

It’s such a sick feeling when you discover your wallet missing, and a great feeling to get it back.

Hope you see this thank-you.

— Lori and Bob Mann