Building bridges between all communities
Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/550967
PAGE 8 • AUGUST 2015 GOODCREDITBADCREDIT NOCREDIT WECANHELP! DON'TLETCREDITGETINTHEWAY OFYOURNEWTRUCKORSUV TOLLFREE 1-866-999-2499 AllCanadianFirstNationsAutoSales ITGET ET ETINTH YOU OU OU OURNE NE NE NEWTR TR TR TRUC UC UC UCKOR OR OR ORSUV UV UV AllCanadianFi AlsoUsedTires AlsoUsedTires JackEshelman Ph:(204)334-0979•Fax:(204)334-1813 Email:jackesh7@gmail.com ����������������������� �������������� �� ����������� ������ ������������ ���������� ��������� ����� Missed an issue? Check out our archive at www.firstnationsvoice.com or for a subscription call 204-697-7598 Meet Me at the Belltower - Stop the Violence is not your typical community celebration but the youth behind it have a unique energy and vibe that is all their own . M ichael Champagne has been behind the event where people gather on Selkirk Avenue by the Belltower since November 2011. "Initially, we got together to try and stop the violence," said Champagne. "We made announcements of peace and of people coming out to do good things in the community. And now it's become a much more positive celebration oriented event where we want to celebrate the strength and resilience of North End residents." And how has this worked out for those gathering at the Belltower every Friday. Champagne cited some statistics that violent crime has dropped by 26% in the immediate area. "It would be nice if they measured the amount of community celebrations, though, because I feel that if that were measured across the city then the North End of Winnipeg would rise above as well," said Champagne. On the seasonably warm and humid day on July 24, 2015, bike helmets were being given out to area residents through an informal draw. The previous week a youth volunteered to show a new bike trick when someone noticed afterward the young person was not wearing a helmet. So, it was decided that bike helmets would be given away at the next meeting. "Individuals from the Manitoba Aboriginal Sports Centre donated 30 helmets that we could give away," said Champagne. "In total, we gave away over 50 helmets and two little girl bikes." Each week, the informal group meeting at the Belltower reinvents itself with themes on how to improve the community around them even through small things like the bike helmet giveaway. And each week people are invited to ring the bell on, what else, the Belltower. Champagne invites anybody interested to come out any Friday at 6:00 pm to take part in the celebration. And he's hoping to start a new revolution of sorts in other parts of Winnipeg because he'd like to see such celebrations happening all over Winnipeg. celebraTing communiTy and giving ouT biKe helmeTs By First Nations News staff