Urban Exchange Inspires a Neighbourly Pursuit

July 18, 2008 | Community News | Archive 2008

Duo sets out to add a thousand new voices to dialogue one doorstep at a time.

Gilbert Park residents Barb Sinclair and Ellen Cook are encouraging neighbours to help shape the future of Winnipeg through Urban Exchange.

Residents of Gilbert Park are having their say this summer thanks to a couple of dedicated residents who saw an opportunity to engage their neighbours.

Tucked away in the northwest corner of Winnipeg, the public housing complex is one of the largest in the city, with almost 1,000 residents. About half of the people who live there are Aboriginal and almost three-quarters are low-income families.

Barb Sinclair teamed up with another resident, Ellen Cook, and after receiving some training last month, the duo have been knocking on doors, handing out Urban Exchange surveys to fellow residents.

Urban Exchange is a United Way advisory panel. It's a way for Winnipeggers to share their opinions with United Way on issues that matter most to them.

"It was fun," says Barb. The mother of six has lived in Gilbert Park for seven years and says it was a great chance to talk to old friends and make some new ones. "It gave me a chance to meet some of the new people in the neighbourhood."

Corey Mohr works in the area as a community facilitator with Nor'West Co-op Community Health Centre and says it's a good way for the views of Gilbert Park residents to be heard.

The area was introduced to Urban Exchange during the Gilbert Park GenNext Day of Caring on May 24.

Thanks Barb and Ellen! Your initiative and dedication is helping to ensure our city is a place where everybody has a chance to participate.

A message to Winnipeg about United Way's campaign Janury 5, 2012