Winnipeg outreach group brings holiday cheer to those in need

Volunteers pulling wagons with close to 100 bags full of Christmas treats, gift cards and winter gear made their way through downtown Winnipeg Sunday afternoon for those in need.

Urban Wagons is a non-profit organization that helps people experiencing homelessness by walking a route that begins behind the Tim Horton's on Graham Avenue, up to Vaughan Street and along Portage Avenue on Monday nights, providing food and supplies. On Sunday, the group and its volunteers were out looking to provide a little bit of holiday joy. 

"It's winter in Winnipeg, it gets cold and it's a lot harder to stay warm and do anything whenever it gets cold," said Urban Wagons executive director Keila Anobis. "Especially when you have no home, so those people that are on the streets really need a little bit of extra support." 

Anobis said the group aims to provide food, water, hygiene products and harm reduction supplies to those in need through its weekly walks. Some of the items in the holiday bags Sunday were cookies, chocolates, candy canes and handmade bracelets made by volunteers. There were also handmade touques and neck warmers. 

Anobis has been doing Urban Wagons for about a year, she said.The organization is hoping to make its Christmas walk become an annual tradition.  Urban Wagons is also making connections with the people it helps, as they come to know the people they meet on their route. 

"To validate … someone that's on the street, give them the time of day, say hello, perhaps a hug, we've had people cry," said volunteer Nadine Linder. "We know people by name from being out so frequently, it's truly — we give and we receive in return — it's wonderful."

Volunteer Monica Bortoluzzi said the group never comes back with full wagons. Bortoluzzi said an important goal of Urban Wagons' work is to make sure people who are experiencing homelessness make sure they are seen and feel like they're not alone. 

But Linder pointed out that while the group does what it can to provide food and clothing, the biggest need for the people Urban Wagons helps is shelter. Linder also said it's important for her and other volunteers with the organization that whether they receive donations or buy items out of pocket, they make time to come downtown and help out. 

"We can't really help with the shelter and that to me is the greatest need, everyone should have a home," she said. "But any little bit that we can help with is really appreciated."

And Anobis also said during the holiday season no gift is too small. 

"It is a season of giving and if you have it and you're able to, I think everybody should, even if it's just a smile, spread some love."