A Thanksgiving Tribute: Bonnie Scott – Winnipeg’s Beacon of Kindness and Hope

Friends, this Thanksgiving weekend, I want to share with you about an incredible person who has touched not just my life, but the lives of so many in the Winnipeg community – Bonnie Scott.

The day I met Bonnie, I knew I had encountered one of the kindest souls on this earth. Her gentle nature and warm smile have a way of making everyone feel welcome and valued. Going to church became an extra joy because it meant I’d get to see Bonnie. And let me tell you, when we sang Ukrainian carols in the United Church, it was absolutely priceless. Those moments will forever be etched in my heart.

But Bonnie’s impact goes far beyond TMUC church walls. She’s truly a global citizen, working tirelessly to make our planet more peaceful, sustainable, and fair. Let me tell you about just a few of the amazing things she does:

1. Gifts of Grace: Bonnie is a founding member of this group that provides food, friendship, and compassion to those facing homelessness in Winnipeg. She’s described as the “heart and soul of the mission,” using her “organizational magic and culinary wizardry” to serve hundreds of meals weekly. Despite not driving, she’s made her home a hub for the group’s activities – and yes, her famous baked treats are often part of the deal!
2. Ukrainian Newcomer Support: When TMUC started an English conversation group for Ukrainian immigrants, Bonnie was one of the first to volunteer. But she didn’t stop there. When she learned many newcomers struggled with transportation, she started a bicycle donation project. Can you believe she’s helped distribute over 150 bicycles to Ukrainian families since 2023?
3. Community Building: Whether it’s through her uplifting Facebook comments or her in-person interactions, Bonnie has a gift for forging deep connections. There’s a beautiful story about her kneeling to wash the feet of a man with only one sock – a testament to her profound empathy and humanity.

I’m overjoyed to share that Bonnie’s incredible contributions have been recognized with the City of Winnipeg 150 Volunteer Award. As part of this honour, a tree will be planted in Bonnie’s name. To me, this tree perfectly symbolizes Bonnie herself – a source of growth, shelter, and spreading positivity and kindness throughout Winnipeg.

Bonnie shows us every day that age is just a number when it comes to making a difference. She’s living proof that one person, with dedication and a big heart, can truly change the world – one meal, one bicycle, one kind gesture at a time.

Bonnie, if you’re reading this, thank you for being you. Your kindness, your gentle spirit, and your unwavering support mean more than words can express. You make TMUC community, and indeed the world, a better place.

To everyone else, I hope you’re lucky enough to have a “Bonnie” in your life – someone who radiates kindness and lifts others up. And if you don’t, why not try to be that person for someone else? After all, Bonnie shows us every day how one person’s kindness can make a world of difference.