"This is community."
Inside an unassuming storefront on Main Street, Okichidah Pimahtisiwin Kiskinawmatowin (O.P.K.) volunteers gather to prepare for their twice-weekly neighbourhood walk, during which they distribute supplies to community members in need.
Mitch Bourbonniere, a long-time O.P.K. volunteer, leads teens from Fisher River First Nation, BGC Winnipeg’s CSI Program staff, members of the Aboriginal Health & Wellness Men’s Program, and others as they load wagons with water bottles, snacks, hygiene items, and more.
“Community,” he tells the room. “This is community.”
O.P.K., a United Way Winnipeg donor-supported organization, provides community supports, crisis intervention, consultation, and connections for vulnerable Winnipeggers. Their Main Street walks—affectionately known as “Mitch Walks”—happen every Tuesday and Thursday.
“We see miracle stories every day of people turning their lives around,” said Mitch. “When they receive kindness and generosity and love, it strengthens them to reach out and ask for help.”
As a social worker, educator, and community leader, Mitch has spent decades supporting people navigating poverty, addiction, trauma, gang involvement, incarceration, and homelessness. He’s touched countless lives with his kindness and generosity—some of whom now volunteer with O.P.K. alongside him.
“I was incarcerated, and I’d heard about [Mitch] helping others transition from incarceration to pro-social living,” said O.P.K volunteer, Jeremy. “And for me, you know, I’d had enough of that lifestyle, so I wanted to move forward in a good way.
Mitch and Jeremy first met at a men’s group, and that connection quickly blossomed into a transformative, lasting relationship that has helped Jeremy heal.
“I think walking in this way, I’m able to connect with others because I’ve been there too,” said Jeremy. “And walking with Mitch and having a mentor—that’s an amazing thing.”
For Jill, another O.P.K. volunteer, it’s about giving back to the community that supported her during a challenging time in her life.
“I grew up in care, and I lived through experiences of exploitation and violence,” said Jill. “I tried really hard to change my life, as a mom of four, but there were barriers.”
When Jill found her way to the Ndinawae Child and Youth Care Certificate Program, she became involved in the community—and met Mitch.
“Helpers find helpers,” Jill said. “Helping, for me, is part of my giving back.”
Jill says that for many community members facing challenges, one of the most significant obstacles can be a lack of connection.
“When they find that connection, they find their own ways, their energies, they find support,” Jill said. “And I think that’s the biggest thing, is that we take care of each other.”
Mitch, who was recently honoured with the University of Manitoba Distinguished Alumni Award for Community Service for his lifelong work helping others, echoes Jill’s sentiment.
“We’re giving our spirit, love, and humanity to our relatives,” he said. “We make eye contact; we get their story—because everybody has a story.”
For Jeremy, walking—literally—with Mitch and O.P.K makes his healing journey a little lighter.
“One of the things I like to say is I turned my pain into purpose,” he said. “Doing this work, I have a lot of passion for it. When you’re healing others, you’re also helping yourself in the process.”
