Connecting our community in new ways

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 07/07/2020 (1066 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Summer has always been my favourite season. It’s the time when our community usually gathers to mark so many important milestones.

We celebrate Filipino Heritage Month in June but this year we had to cancel our wonderful street festival and cultural events. June 21 marked Indigenous Peoples Day, and this year I had hoped to launch my first annual celebration in honour of it. We also usually celebrate our great country’s birthday with block parties, concerts and so much more.

I’m sure a few of you missed my annual fireworks show at Tyndall Park. I know I certainly did. I’ve been hosting it for almost 30 years, and cancelling this year’s event was tough.

We’re all adjusting to a ‘new normal’ and it’s been really strange not having the big public parties we’re used to. Even so, that doesn’t mean our holidays are cancelled.

These events are still happening and they’re just as meaningful. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced us all to find creative new ways of staying connected with our families and our communities. In some ways the pandemic has shown us that we create the magic and meaning ourselves, by finding ways to be with friends and family, and really make the moment special.

Winnipeg’s north is a tight-knit community, and residents everywhere have been stepping up in new ways to take care of their neighbours.

Many organizations are doing incredible work to support our community through COVID-19. Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata has been helping youth gain work experience while delivering groceries and supplies to seniors in need. I’m happy that I was able to provide them with funding to bring more youth into this incredible program.

There are countless other groups doing great things. While I don’t have enough space to name you all, I want you all to know how much I appreciate your work.

I’m happy to say that the federal government has just announced a new program that will create even more opportunities like this. Students all across the country and our community have had their studies disrupted. Many of them are struggling to find summer work to pay next year’s tuition, or have had practicums and placements cancelled.

The new Canada Student Service Grant will help students save for their studies while pitching in to help their community. Students can register and earn grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 to help with their tuition while gaining valuable volunteer experience. The program runs until Oct. 31. If you’re interested in participating, just look up the I Want to Help platform at Canada.ca/IWantToHelp.

I want to do my part to connect people, too. If you know an organization that could use volunteer help, or a student looking to do their part, please reach out to my office.