Mama Bear Clan

In Pembina Trials, we take great pride is creating opportunities for our students to think both locally and globally. We aim to inspire our young people to give back to their communities in many different ways.

A group of Fort Richmond Collegiate students recently spent an evening doing exactly that - in early June, students and staff joined the Mama Bear group on a patrol of Winnipeg’s inner city streets.

“We connected to the Mama Bear Clan through our partnership with Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges program organized through Ceda (Community Education Development Association) Pathways,” shared teacher librarian, Chantal Rochon. “During one of our sessions, one of the leaders, Mitch Bourbonniere, spoke about his work with the Mama Bear Clan and how students can get involved in the cause. We felt this was a wonderful opportunity for our students to give back to the North Point Douglas Community.”

After a quick introduction at North Point Douglas Women’s Centre, the group made their way to Main Street with water bottles, sandwiches and toiletries. Students spent time meeting people in the neighbourhood and handing out much need supplies.

“I was not aware that there were that many homeless people in Winnipeg,” shared FRC student, Han Wang. “I felt happiness because I felt that everyone is connected in some way. We were able to show love and compassion to others.  I think there are many things we can do to help those in need. We could even start our own walk in our community to help those in need.”

Many other students echoed the same desire to become even more involved. “It was an exciting experience. It made me want to help more around the community. I would like the opportunity to do it again one day,” said student Maddie Cook.

The evening wrapped up with a visit to a few local playgrounds and the Norquay Community Centre where volunteers handed out snacks and took time to say hello to local children. The evening was just as meaningful to the community as it was to the volunteers.

Fort Richmond staff are looking at the possibility of other opportunities for the next school year.