At the heart of Winnipeg’s Elmwood neighbourhood, a quiet but powerful movement is growing, one built on community, resilience, and compassion.
At the Volunteer Manitoba Volunteer Recruitment Fair, Guillermo Vivado, Food Security Manager at Chalmers Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation, spoke about how local initiatives are addressing some of the city’s most pressing issues, housing, food insecurity, and safety, with the help of dedicated volunteers.
Chalmers Neighbourhood Renewal: Serving Elmwood and Beyond
Operating in the Elmwood area, Chalmers Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation (CNRC) is more than a non-profit. It serves as a lifeline for many community members. With a growing number of programs, CNRC is on the frontlines of social support in Winnipeg.
“We focus on food security, housing, and safety,” explained Guillermo. “These are the biggest needs in our community right now.”
The organization offers a variety of services, from housing assistance to a weekly community safety Unity Walk, where volunteers walk through the neighbourhood to help create a sense of security and solidarity.
Food Security: The BAG Program
As Food Security Manager, Guillermo leads one of CNRC’s flagship efforts: the BAG Program (Better Access to Groceries). Designed to combat food insecurity, the BAG program offers fresh produce bags for just $10, making healthy food accessible to all, regardless of income level.
“It started as a program just for our neighbourhood,” Guillermo said, “but now it’s open to all of Winnipeg. That shows the growing need.”
Held every Tuesday, the BAG program has been running for nearly a decade, and CNRC is now working to expand it further, including exploring food rescue initiatives to reduce waste and redirect surplus food to families in need.
Volunteers Make It Happen
Like many community organizations, CNRC relies heavily on volunteers to sustain its programs.
“We are mainly volunteer-based,” Guillermo shared. “Our budget is always tight, so we depend on people’s generosity and time.”
From supporting the BAG program to participating in Unity Walks, volunteers are the backbone of the organization. CNRC utilized the Volunteer Fair as an opportunity to reach a wider audience and raise awareness about these crucial roles.
Guillermo also emphasized the importance of volunteering as a gateway, especially for newcomers.
“I’m from Bolivia,” he said. “Back home, volunteering wasn’t a big thing. But when I came to Canada, I learned how important it is for building community, finding friends, and even starting your career.”
Housing and the Power of Partnerships
With housing affordability becoming an increasingly urgent issue in Winnipeg, CNRC also dedicates resources to helping individuals and families find stable housing.
“We have a strong housing program with four full-time staff. But it’s not enough, we need partnerships,” Guillermo noted.
Through collaborations with other non-profits and government programs, CNRC is working to connect those in need with real solutions. The organization also encourages newcomers to explore resources available at community centers and neighbourhood hubs.
A Message to Newcomers and All Winnipeggers
When asked about what message he’d like to share with the community, Guillermo didn’t hesitate.
“Winnipeg is very welcoming. When I arrived, I felt that hospitality. My message to newcomers is that people are here to help. Be open, get involved, and know that you’re not alone.”
– Yuliia Kovalenko, U Multicultural
