Community at its best and brightest

Wolseley

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 12/06/2024 (483 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

I’ve been thinking a lot about community lately. I’ve lived in Winnipeg for almost 50 years, and in that time, I’ve had homes in quite a few different neighbourhoods, each with its own unique vibe. Nowadays, community seems to be more important than ever. The word pops up a lot on the news, in various media, and in everyday conversations… maybe because the needs of the people are overwhelming. I don’t know, but I do know that looking after each other is vital to our well-being as a society — and community can do that.

Last month, I spent some time with a group of four men who had each experienced all kinds of trauma and hardship, done time with drugs and gangs, and in prison. Now, known as Four Sacred Hearts, they’ve transformed their lives and are spending their time helping others heal through their work and in their everyday activities, doing grassroots community outreach. Every Sunday afternoon they’re out on a neighbourhood walk, patrolling the streets, handing out sandwiches, bottles of water and – perhaps most importantly – just showing up. They’re a positive caring presence, greeting people, talking with them, and making referrals to resources when required. They’re being the role models and mentors they never had, and they’re inspiring others – old and young – along the way, to show up for others. They’re spending time with families and bringing a smile to people who may not have had a lot to smile about all week. If that’s not a great definition of community then I don’t know what is.

In my lifetime I’ve written thousands of stories for publication. The story I did about Four Sacred Hearts somehow seems to have found a way to profoundly affect me. These guys had a very rough start in life. They did their time for the mistakes they made. They could have just chosen to continue on that path the way many do, thinking mostly about themselves and leaving it at that. But instead, they’re motivated to volunteer with community; giving their time, energy and efforts to bring people together, to make things better, through school presentations, traditional drumming, and by sharing their life experience.

For me, this is a major life lesson. Community includes all of us. We are all in it together, no matter who we are or where we live. I am often reminded of something an African elder once said to me – “if you have a problem, it’s not your problem: it’s our problem.”

So, amidst the many social issues and concerns about safety, I’m thinking the Four Sacred Hearts are onto something. Connecting with people, sharing gifts and resources with others in every neighbourhood — this is community at its best and brightest. We might not always realize the life-enriching power of presence.

Find Four Sacred Hearts on Facebook and Instagram or email foursacredhearts@gmail.com