Prime time for random acts of kindness

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 23/11/2022 (1089 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

It’s that time of year again. Now that winter’s first snows have fallen and look as if they’re here to stay, Winnipeg’s indefatigible community spirit is about to shine.

We’ve been running our Random Acts of Kindness column for two years now, and we always get the most emails and phone calls during the winter months. The simple acts of shovelling someone’s walk or helping people push their cars out of snow drifts are the kinds of things that warm our hearts — and move our readers to let us know about the kindness of strangers, friends and neighbours.

So, after a few months hiatus, we’re bringing Random Acts of Kindness back in order to share stories of the ways in which people in Winnipeg and area are willing to help each other out.

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Eleanor Zimmerman, who lives in the St. George neighbourhood of St. Vital, called to tell me about a Good Samaritan who helped her and her 88-year-old husband Godfrey (Guff) Zimmerman out of a tight spot at the end of September.

Guff had just dropped Eleanor off at Family Optical on St. Anne’s Road when he was involved in a fender bender that “did a number on our car,” she said.

Guff managed to pull into the parking lot at Superstore, across the street but it was clear he would have to change a tire when a friendly passerby stopped to help.

“He was an angel,” said Eleanor, who is 85. “He saw what had happened and came back and changed our tire. He took the tire off, put the spare on and did everything that needed to be done.

“We didn’t get his name but he was about 55 to 60 years old and was wearing a black jacket that said ‘Flyer’ on it

“I would really like him to know how much we appreciated his help.”

Consider the message sent, Eleanor.

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Judy Hunt, who lives in Crestview, wrote to tell us about Mike and Shauna Kroeker, a marvelous couple who live nearby and selflessly helped out when she was in a tight spot.

“I have a neighbour who will do anything for anyone when it has anything to do with construction and repairs. He has helped many people on our street and beyond with projects like home renovations, repairs, decks, snow blowing, etc.

“After losing my job and the flooding of my basement in March, I’ve found myself in a bad financial situation. Mike got a bunch of friends together and they showed up to remove the walls and insulation after the flood.

“I haven’t been able to replace the insulation for my walls in the basement (so) Mike and his wife Shauna have insisted on lending me the money to get my walls insulated before winter. He came over and the two of us got the job done.

“If you need help they are there for you. Recognition should always be given to the truly good people of this world.

“Thanks for doing that.”