Winnipeg really is one great city

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 01/03/2016 (3599 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Last week I came out of a meeting to find my credit card stuck to the driver’s side window of my car!  
The first thought that went through my head was: “Wow! Only in Winnipeg!”

I was downtown and had used my credit card to pay for parking. When I got back to my car two hours later I found the card on my window — I hadn’t even known it was missing.

I have no idea who the good Samaritan was  but I am sending out deepest thanks to you — I truly applaud your honesty, kindness and consideration. Never once did it cross my mind that the card could have been used inappropriately.

I have had many positive encounters in this great city of ours over the years. Once I was driving from the north side of the city to the south end when I heard a car honking. Naturally, I did a mental check to ensure I had not violated any rules of the road and concluded I had not. The honking continued. By now I knew someone wanted my attention and I was starting to feel a bit hot under the collar.  

I was at a red light at McPhillips Street and Inkster Boulevard when a car pulled up and the driver motioned for me to wind down my window. I did so rather cautiously, at which point he said, in a very caring and concerned voice, “Ma’am, you have a flat tire.”  

I was quite taken by this kind gesture as I think he had been trying to get my attention for more than a block. I sheepishly said thank you.

I had another similar experience at a red light at Bishop Grandin Boulevard and Dakota Street. Same situation, only this time the gentleman, after motioning for me to roll down my window, told me I was driving with my block heater cord still attached to my vehicle.

I once filled up my car with gas at my local Co-op gas station only to realize I didn’t have my wallet. (This has happened more than once.)

The cashier’s response?

“Don’t worry about it, just come back to pay when you can.”

My great Winnipeg experiences go on and on.

I once ordered a beverage at a Starbucks location and discovered I had no wallet. I wasn’t in my neighbourhood, where I’m at least familiar to the staff and the server’s response was: “Don’t worry about it  — it’s on the house.”

All I could think of was how lucky am I to live in this great city. My husband even exemplifies the spirit of this place. He was once at an instant teller machine — alone — when he noticed some cash on the floor. So he picked it up, went inside the bank and turned it over to the teller.  

I told him I am not as good a Samaritan as he — I am truly an unfinished masterpiece. However, the greatness of the people of this fine city is rubbing off on me.  

Phyllis Reid-Jarvis is a director and executive coach at Ultimate Potentials. Contact her at living@ultimatepotentials.com