This January, I return to Ottawa after spending a wonderful holiday season back at home in south Winnipeg with family and friends. It was a pleasure to be a part of the many celebrations in the riding, and to meet community members and their families. Despite being the busiest time of the year, the holiday season is also a time when Winnipeggers come together to support some of the most vulnerable members of our community, with compassion and generosity.

We are fortunate to have many organizations and resource centres in our city that provide care to Winnipeggers who need support. Throughout the year, Siloam Mission, for instance, gives many in our community a safe, warm place to stay, hot meals, and clothing. Agape Table’s daily weekday breakfasts and Low-Cost Grocery program help Winnipeggers struggling with low incomes to access healthy meals. In south Winnipeg, the Fort Garry Women’s Resource Centre, South Winnipeg Family Information Centre Inc., and the St. Amant Foundation provide valuable resources, information, and programs for women, families, and Manitobans with developmental disabilities.

The work that these organizations do, not just in the holiday season, but everyday, is possible because of dedicated volunteers, as well as members of our community who donate to these important causes.

At the start of this new year, I reflect on our city’s warm and generous spirit, and these organizations whose good work provides hope to so many. We must continue to work together, to ensure that all Winnipeggers are able to access the support they need to live comfortably and with dignity.

I would like to wish everyone all the best in 2019, and look forward to meeting you and your families at many more community events this winter!