by Leila Castro | Leilacastro.ca@gmail.com
The past two weeks was a very busy time for 204 Neighbourhood Watch. Responding to a phone call from James Favel of Bear Clan, on September 2, 3 and 4, we volunteered at Leila Soccer Complex that housed the First Nation community evacuees affected by the Northern Manitoba wildfires. Volunteers Maj Gonsalves, Arlene Dayanghirang, Jackee Castro, Kathy Chionglo and Elmer Aquino came to help. We were assigned various tasks, among which were assisting arriving evacuees in getting their supplies and assigned beds, sanitizing toys, and looking after the kids at the play area.
On September 8, James Favel and myself, were the guest speakers at the Community Safety Forum that was held at the Norwest on Alexander community centre. It was a panel discussion and open forum attended by the Alexander Brooklands residents, and aimed at promoting safety awareness. I was joined by volunteers Maj Gonsalves, Kathy Chionglo and Ponz Mapuyan. Also present was councillor Scott Gillingham.
The Alzeimer’s Society of Manitoba joined the 204 Neighbourhood Watch meeting on September 15. Jennifer Licardo, its Education Manager, gave a very informative presentation. She discussed ways of knowing if a person has alzeimer, and on what to do in case in our patrolling, we encounter an unaccompanied person showing symptoms of the disease.
On September 6 and 13, we went back to Maples for two rounds of patrolling. We again walked the streets Adsum, Jefferson and Mandalay. The temperature is starting to drop but it is not stopping us from patrolling for a safer neighbourhood. Our heartfelt thanks to those who continue to support us, with Bakerite (located at 1030 Keewatin) and Filipino Journal on top of the list. 204 Neighbourhood Watch patrols every Wednesday and we need more volunteers. Join 204 Neighbourhood Watch fb group to see our announcements and updates, or email me at Leilacastro.ca@gmail.com.