Hot coffee warms Winnipeg commuters

Iris Barta and Cheryll Matthes welcomed visitors with hot coffee.

About 35 morning commuters and neighbours took advantage of the hot coffee and cookies offered by LCC’s office staff in Winnipeg the week before Christmas. Most people were heading to catch the bus, others were from neighbourhood businesses.

Going into the week, no one knew how many people to expect. “It was worth it for the few ones we got to know and connect with,” said LCC’s mission executive Rev. Dr. Leonardo Neitzel,“… even a Brazilian fellow who came twice!” Dr. Neitzel also delivered coffee to a car repair shop next door.

Along with Dr. Neitzel, Iris Barta, assistant to LCC’s executive, and Cheryll Matthes, Member Services manager for Worker Benefit Plans, hosted the visitors. A local McDonalds donated coffee, cups, cream and sugar. Visitors also received information about Christmas services at nearby Saint James Lutheran Church.

Sidewalk signs advertised the open house for two weeks and local businesses received flyers and invitations.

In the new year the staff will review the outreach effort and discuss other ways to take advantage of the office building’s location.

Print this article