West Broadway Community Ministries in Free Press

Today's Winnipeg Free Press has two articles featuring West Broadway Community Ministries.  

 

'No room at the inn in Manitoba' for needy

Christmas Eve trek stresses need for affordable housing

Winnipeg Free Press, December 26, 2013, pages A8, A9

Photo by John Woods, Winnipeg Free Press

"There's no place to go for the Holy Child. Is there no room in Winnipeg?"

So asked 21 members of three West Broadway-area churches who united to pound the pavement on Christmas Eve, knocking on doors on Langside Street in pursuit of affordable housing for Jesus.
In a stunt found more commonly in Mexico, the group performed a version of La Posada, which translates to "the inn." It tells the story of Mary's and Joseph's search for an inn where baby Jesus would be born -- but with a twist.

Community minister Lynda Trono of West Broadway's Community Ministry organized the roaming play and wrote its script, which talked about the lack of affordable housing for those in need in Winnipeg.

"It's a symbolic door-knocking that has to do with there being no room at the inn and right now there's no room at the inn in Manitoba," Trono said.

Trono wants to raise awareness about the meagre amount of money given to Manitobans living on social assistance and trying to afford rent.

Read the whole article by clicking here.

IMAGE COMPARISON:  Today's Free Press print copy followed the above story with a report on the crowds that typically line up for Boxing Day specials.  The accompanying photo is an interesting contrast to the image of the West Broadway action above:

Photo source: David Lipnowski, Free Press Archives

Community feels the love

Yule lunch brings fellowship to multi-faith people in need

Winnipeg Free Press, Dec. 26, 2013, page B2

People of all faiths packed into the West Broadway Community Ministry Wednesday afternoon to enjoy a Christmas lunch and each other's company.

Roughly 100 people attended the ministry's annual Christmas lunch put on by volunteers from the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue and the ministry.

Volunteer Larry Flynn helps serve during the Christmas lunch at the West Broadway Community Ministry.                   

(Photo source: Winnipeg Free Press)

The lunch of a chicken pot pie, potato salad and coleslaw began with the lighting of a multi-faith candle.

Volunteers and participants alike said the lunch is all about bringing the community together.
"I think it's so important during this season to be able to feel the love of a community," said Riva McWilliam, a longtime volunteer at the Christmas lunch.

McWilliam and her husband have been helping out with the annual meal for eight years, and it's become a Christmas tradition for them.

They do not celebrate Christmas, so they think it's a perfect opportunity to give back to people in need.

You can read the whole article by clicking here.

- Submitted by Gareth