WSD teachers walk with the Bear Clan Patrol

​Showing their support for their school communities, WSD teachers joined Winnipeg's Bear Clan Patrol for a recent community walk.

Members of the local volunteer organization, who are recognizable by their bright yellow vests, offer humanitarian support and a friendly community presence in Winnipeg's Inner City.  

On Feb. 20, approximately 30 WSD teachers gathered at the Bear Clan Patrol's new offices at 584 Selkirk Ave. before journeying through the Inner City and North End.

General Wolfe School teacher Mario Cueto, who is also a Bear Clan Patrol director and a member of the Aboriginal Academic Achievement planning committee, extended the invitation for teachers to join the walk.

"It's a way for people to see the resilience of the community, in spite of all of the challenges they face," Mr. Cueto said. "Our students have so much strength and resilience within them."

The Bear Clan Patrol seek to provide security through non-violent, compassionate outreach to all members of the community. Every Bear Clan Patrol that takes to the streets has a female leader.

"Most of what we do is engaging with the community, handing out fruit and care packages with toques, gloves and other essentials," Mr. Cueto said. "In the news they talk about how we pick up needles and those sorts of things, but we're much more than that. We are a group that cares about people. Just as first responders head towards danger, we head toward people in need…that's who we look for when we are out on our walks.

"We're a non-judgemental group. It doesn't matter if we're dealing with someone who has addictions, or someone who is working the streets, or someone who is down and out. We're not making a judgement. If they need help, we will help them."

The teachers patrol group ventured from Selkirk Avenue to destinations like Mountain Avenue, Main Street, Sutherland Avenue, Salter Street, Arlington Avenue and more.

Teachers who attended said they gained valuable insight into their communities; they were also encouraged by the reception they received from community members.

"It was so meaningful to see how people responded to us on the street and how happy they were to just get a hello or for us to ask how they were," said Ralph Brown teacher Krista Goring. "It reinforced my belief that as a teacher, building that sense of community and getting to know our community is what will heal and help bring back trust and a sense of togetherness. It also reminded me that it is just as important to know what our students are facing at home as what they need at school."

The group is always looking for more adult volunteers for community walks, as well as schools to collect items for care packages such as toiletries, food and other essentials.

"It gives students a chance to be more active in the community," Mr. Cueto said. "Building community with the school and its neighbourhood is a powerful thing, because it develops empathy amongst everyone…that community becomes stronger."

For more information on the Bear Clan Patrol, visit here.