What started out as a “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” story turned into a story of love, peace, faith, and hope for the new year in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
The Indian Family Centre, funded by the Christian Reformed Church, was broken into before Christmas. Thieves took books and educational toys, even though there were more valuable items like computers available for the taking.
The Winnipeg Free Press and CBC Radio ran news stories of the break-in, and Michele Visser, director of the Centre, said there was an “overwhelming, incredible” response from the public.
Winnipeg residents and businesses donated new and used books and toys greater than the value of the items that had been stolen in the first place. The Centre also received cash donations, which were used to repair a broken door and window resulting from the break-in.
The response was so overwhelming that both the Free Press and CBC Radio ran follow-up stories showcasing the generosity of Winnipeg businesses and residents. According to those reports, one business owner, Jan Regehr, had already donated toys but donated a second time when she heard of the break-in.
The Indian Family Centre honors and respects the Aboriginal understanding of life while dealing with issues affecting people in an inner city neighborhood.