Ten Thousand Villages Celebrates 65 Years
Riders Blaze Trail of Pink in Support of Breast Cancer Research By Marianne Curtis While the Wild Pink Yonder meandered its way throughout the region, communities rose to the occasion by planning a variety of fundraisers or events that ensured that the first annual event was a huge success. On September 10, a group of riders and their horses dressed in pink hit the trail for three weeks regardless of the heat, wind, cold, rain and even frost. Along the trail the group was joined by police officers, businessmen, musicians, youngsters and anyone who was interested in raising funds for breast cancer research. The ride officially kicked off in Morden and meandered through the region until the final stop October 1 in Birds Hill Park. The trail covered about 265 miles and saw the group riding through 28 communities. Pam Glover wants to thank each
On October 1, Ten Thousand Villages celebrated its landmark 65th year of crafting change around the world through the sale of unique handicrafts. During a special anniversary event, Ten Thousand Villages stores and Festival Sales in Steinbach and across Canada celebrated with displays, videos, gift basket draws and refreshments. Darlene Reimer, manager of Steinbach’s Ten Thousand Villages, was thrilled with the turnout for the anniversary event. “Ten Thousand Villages has been a presence in Steinbach for 36 years thanks to hundreds of volunteers from our community,” said Reimer. “It is very exciting to be showcasing and celebrating our amazing history.” Ten Thousand Villages started 65 years ago when Edna Ruth Byler first brought Puerto Rican needlework to North America in 1946. At the time, the term ‘Fair Trade’ did not exist. Her volunteer project to provide market access for artisans spearheaded the Fair Trade movement in North America and eventually evolved into what has become Ten Thousand Villages.
Steinbach Could Ditch RCMP
On the trail heading to Giroux with Wild Pink Yonder.
community and the many volunteers and participants that made the first Wild Pink Yonder ride in Manitoba so successful. Along the route, communities stepped forward and organized events including concerts, meals and accommodations for the livestock and riders. Most events also included a cheque presentation for Cancer Care Manitoba with money that was raised locally through inventive fundraisers. Francisco De Santiago was one of the many riders that participated in the ride. “I don’t know how many miles I have hauled my horses, but it has been a blast,” stated De Santiago. Southeast communities along the trail where the group visited include Niverville, Landmark, Otterburne, St. Pierre, St. Malo, Grunthal, Kleefeld, St. Adolphe, Giroux, Steinbach, La Broquerie, Richer, Ste. Anne, Lorette, Dugald and Oakbank. CMA Country star Julian Austin performed for the group in Kleefeld.
The City of Steinbach is looking for public input when it comes to police protection services in the community. Just recently the Mayor’s Task Force of Public Safety announced they are looking to see if area residents would prefer a municipal police force instead of the RCMP. Michael Zwaagstra, chairperson for the Mayor’s Task Force of Public Safety said the group is looking towards the future of policing in the community because of two significant factors. The first being, when the City’s population reaches 15,000 people it will cost the City of Steinbach “substantially” to keep the RCMP. He also noted that next year the 20-year contract the city signed with the RCMP is up for renewal so now would be a good time to look at other options. “We are looking at all aspects of public safety, along with policing,” Zwaagstra explained. Zwaagstra said the Task Force has already been doing their homework. Using Winkler as an example, he noted that Winkler has successfully budgeted $1.9 million for 16 officers for their municipal police force. “We pay $1.5 million a year for 13 RCMP officers,” Zwaagstra added. “When you break the costs down per officer it is almost the exact same, which we found interesting.” Once the city’s population increases those costs are expected to
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