What makes a community and Province great? It requires several contributing factors. Affordability, quality of life, infrastructure, economy, jobs, social vibrancy, education, arts, innovation, location, inclusion, and the people.
Last weekend I was reminded of how people are most important in making a community great. A fire this weekend at the Heritage Park apartments left 180 residents displaced.
The massive fire in West Winnipeg changed lives and showed us what makes this a great place. As residents watched the blaze, they wondered, “What happens now? Where do we go? What will we do.” At the same time people from around the community, and the province jumped into action to help those displaced.
I want to recognize Diana Hildebrand, who lives in a neighbouring apartment complex on Quail Ridge Road and who organized a donation drive for those displaced by the fire immediately.
She told the media, “We've had donations from people all the way in Portage la Prairie — people keep dropping stuff off.
The owner of the Dreamland, Diner Remy, a new favourite on Portage Avenue, said they started collecting items to help people who lost so much in a long-weekend fire. Who called me looking for help because donations were still coming in, and they ran out of room. Only in Manitoba can you imagine such a delightful issue. Dreamland Diner will continue to accept donations until Father’s Day.
Every little bit makes a huge difference for someone and their family in our community.
It is moments like this, the generosity of our community and province, that I am so proud to be a Manitoban and honoured to represent the people of Kirkfield Park.