The stories are out there, of young people — some of them carrying weapons, oftentimes to protect themselves — responsible for property crimes, theft, assaults and other violent crimes.
The Winnipeg Police Service’s annual statistical report for 2023, released in June, shows youth crime in Winnipeg trending upward for the second consecutive year.
Many residents have expressed frustration, anger and fear. With rising anxiety and concern, sometimes turning away or leaving the city seems like the only thing left to do.
BROOK JONES/FREE PRESS Sabu’s Cubs volunteers visit a memorial (a tree sculpture of a panda dressed up for Halloween) in honour of the late Nicola Anna Ida Pangman-Klaric, 12, who died in a house fire alongside her grandmother Maria Klaric. Sabu’s Cubs visited significant memorial sites in addition to doing wellness checks and handing out food and bottle water on their weekly community walk in North Point Douglas in Winnipeg, Man., Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024.
Sabu’s Cubs volunteers visit a memorial in honour of the late Nicola Anna Ida Pangman-Klaric, 12, who died in a house fire alongside her grandmother Maria Klaric.
In the midst of the turmoil and the suffering, Winnipeg has a number of community groups committed to changing things for the better. One of them is Sabu’s Cubs, which recently celebrated its one-year anniversary.
The grassroots, volunteer-led non-profit organization is dedicated to nurturing and empowering youth within the community. With a mission to provide a safe and supportive space where young minds can flourish and community bonds are strengthened, Sabu’s Cubs activities include weekly community walks, visits to significant memorial sites, and wellness checks within neighbourhoods.
“We visit the memorial sites to not only honour the youth who have gone to the spirit world but also to instil in our at-risk youth their own importance,” said Siobhan Faulkner, a community helper and one of the founding members.
“We reinforce with youth the impact they make on the world with their presence and the love that they bring and is sent back to them,” she continued, adding that young people age four and up go on the walks with the adults.
“We have high school students who walk to get their volunteer credit. In the community we connect with mostly families. We aim to ignite personal growth, nurture resilience and cultivate a profound sense of belonging.”
Faulkner is a retired teacher who spent the majority of her career in the North End and North Point Douglas.
With three board members, more than 100 youth volunteers and a crew of supportive adult volunteers, Sabu’s Cubs has a lot of work to do.
BROOK JONES/FREE PRESS Sabu’s Cubs volunteers take a short break during group’s weekly community walk in North Point Douglas in Winnipeg, Man., Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024. The volunteers were pictured close to a memorial in honour of the late Nathaniel Thorassie, 6, who died after falling into the Red River.
Sabu’s Cubs is dedicated to empowering youth and amplifying the good they do.
“We recognized there was a need to do helper work differently. We all had been helpers in the North End for a few years and saw a need to do things differently. The vision for Sabu’s Cubs was created by my daughter Caitlin Rhoda, and we joined in as support,” said Faulkner, explaining that the name Sabu’s Cubs comes from the legacy of Caitlin’s grandfather William Rhoda who came to Canada from South Africa.
Rhoda was an activist with the African National Congress and instilled in his granddaughter the need to bring about positive change in the world. He looked like Sabu, the 1940s movie star, and it became his nickname.
“We work closely with other helpers in the North End community,” she said. “Four Sacred Hearts often support us with a drum song to start our walks. We take our time walking through the community, connecting with community members and talking with the youth. We take the time to enjoy each other’s company while bringing food, supplies and love to the community.”
Heather Nyman, one of the original founders, has learned a lot from the youth over the first year.
“I’ve come to realize that they are truly the ones teaching us all about empathy and compassion. Each week on our walks, I am inspired by how they engage with the community, showing love, respect and understanding in everything they do. Their interactions create genuine connections that uplift those around them, and their impact on the community — and on us — is immeasurable.
“By supporting Sabu’s Cubs, you’re not only helping us provide essential resources and opportunities; you’re also helping to create a safe space for our youth that fosters a sense of community — a family. Your support makes a meaningful difference in the lives of many and helps build a brighter, more connected community.”
BROOK JONES/FREE PRESS Sabu’s Cubs co-founder Siobhan Faulkner (left), 64, gives instructions to volunteers before they head out on their weekly community walk in North Point Douglas in Winnipeg, Man., Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024. Also pictured is Caitlin Rhoda (right), 36, who is also a co-founder of the group along with Heather Nyman, 49.
BROOK JONES/FREE PRESS
Sabu’s Cubs co-founder Siobhan Faulkner (left), 64, gives instructions to volunteers before they head out on their weekly community walk in North Point Douglas in Winnipeg, Man., Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024. Also pictured is Caitlin Rhoda (right), 36, who is also a co-founder of the group along with Heather Nyman, 49.
Sabu’s Cubs is grateful for the groups that support and walk with them, including Four Sacred Hearts, Whistling Winds Therapy, OPK, St. Paul’s High School, Community Helpers Unite, Direct Focus and Wiigiishin Giiwiigeenahn Community Walk.
“We have been able to partner with so many groups, and that has allowed us to provide many opportunities for our youth to give back to the community,” said Faulkner. “We have access to the gym at Gonzaga School. We have time for the youth to visit or shoot hoops before we start the walk. We share a meal in the gym after the walks. We start every walk with a sharing circle in which we acknowledge by name every participant of the walk.
“We acknowledge every youth who has walked with us for at least three walks with a birthday gift. We were able to acknowledge graduations. We celebrate significant events with a group meal and a gift. We also participate in honouring of individuals: attending the sacred fire and supplying food to the family, for a community youth who passed (unexpectedly).”
Faulkner says that checking in on neighbours regularly and supporting them not only with food and supplies, but as people who know they are known by name, can make a world of difference.
“In the last few weeks, we have noticed there are new immigrants that have moved into the neighbourhood. Language is an issue for them,” she said.
“We have been able to develop connections and provide them with support. We visit encampments and provide support. Poverty causes isolation and those few minutes make for strong connections.”
BROOK JONES/FREE PRESS Sabu’s Cubs are celebrating their first year anniversary and are pictured on the their weekly community walk in North Point Douglas in Winnipeg, Man., Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024.
BROOK JONES/FREE PRESS
Sabu’s Cubs are celebrating their first year anniversary and are pictured on their weekly community walk in North Point Douglas.
At-risk youth see their value by giving back to the community, she said.
Sabu’s Cubs welcomes donations of socks, granola bars, drink boxes, bottled water, bubbles and chalk. Find Sabu’s Cubs on Instagram and Facebook.
fpcity@freepress.mb.ca