WINNIPEG – It’s not just the cold winters and buggy summers we’re known for — this province has also hung on to the title of most generous.
From Myron Kurjewicz, who dropped off clothing at Siloam Mission Monday, to four-year-old Grace, collecting mittens for the homeless, for the 15th year, the province’s residents have proven “Friendly Manitoba” isn’t just something written on our licence plates.
“People generally dig deep when there’s issues to make it better for everybody,” said Kurjewicz.
A recent study by the B.C.-based Fraser Institute found Manitobans donate the most across the country — 25.9 per cent of people made a charitable donation in 2011.
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It’s generosity the Christmas Cheer Board couldn’t do without.
“I’ve lived in Edmonton, I’ve lived in Calgary, and there’s something here,” said Kai Madsen, executive director of the Christmas Cheer Board, which distributes thousands of Christmas hampers annually. “I can’t put my finger on it.”
Winnipeggers offered many opportunities to share Christmas spirit
Winnipeg Harvest, the province’s largest food bank, also benefits.
“When you work in an organization like this, you see the giving spirit of Manitobans,” said Kate Brenner of Winnipeg Harvest.
When Siloam Mission flooded last week, losing food, clothing and medical supplies, Manitobans came through.
The homeless shelter went “from absolute disaster to actually being better off than we were before,” said Floyd Perras.
But despite Manitoba ranking Number 1, the Salvation Army is short $25,000 in donations this year compared to previous years.
“I do know people do find it challenging at times, especially over the last few years,” said Jonathan Hamel.
But they know Manitobans will come through for them. too.
So what makes us so generous?
“We have a legacy to a degree of coming together. Maybe the cold weather has something to do with it,” said one Winnipegger.
“That’s why we’re called friendly Manitobans,” said another.
Whether it’s our slogan or the weather, your kindness is being noticed.
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