Although Reimer primarily supports first responders, while Wiens leads a men\u2019s support group,\u00a0both say they quickly realized they share the same heart for helping others.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cHe came to the fire station in Steinbach, we had a\u00a0coffee, we sat\u00a0down,\u00a0and we just came together with our hearts, which is exactly the same vision,\u201d Reimer says.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The event aligns with Random Acts of Kindness Week, running February 14 to 20. Wiens says each speaker will spend about 15 to 20 minutes sharing practical ways people can show kindness in everyday life.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThe topic of kindness,\u00a0that’s\u00a0something that we often take for granted. And we\u00a0actually stop\u00a0and realize those\u00a0little things\u00a0like buying coffee for the person behind you or having a conversation with somebody at the grocery store, which Russ often talks about, those things are what matters.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
While both speakers usually focus on their own specific groups, Wiens emphasizes that this event is open to everyone.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is more for Roots of Hope to give exposure to them so that\u00a0people\u00a0can see there are resources out there that go beyond our groups. And\u00a0we’re\u00a0very specific\u00a0who\u00a0we’re\u00a0targeting, but there are a lot of other resources, and Roots of Hope is a great one for people to connect with.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Reimer says they intentionally kept their formal remarks brief to leave space for meaningful conversations\u00a0afterward,\u00a0something he believes is especially important.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are direct people that have decided not to commit suicide because of myself putting myself into their path. So\u00a0that’s\u00a0really one of the biggest things is if people are\u00a0really down\u00a0and out in this community, these people need to be seen, and this is a way that they can be seen. But it will absolutely resonate with everybody in the audience.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
He hopes attendees walk away understanding just how powerful simple human connection can be for mental health.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Reimer suggests even small choices like skipping self-checkout and chatting with a cashier can make a real difference.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI’ll\u00a0tell you, as soon as I say anything, it\u00a0doesn’t\u00a0matter what I say, the light that goes on in people’s eyes thinking,\u00a0there’s\u00a0a person talking to me.\u00a0He’s\u00a0not on his cell phone. Why is he engaging with me? And when we go through that lineup, and check out those groceries, that person smiles, they feel seen, they feel heard.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Wiens agrees, saying even a smile or brief conversation can mean more than people realize.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThey want to know that they exist. And right now, with social media, people are just staring at their phones.\u00a0They’re\u00a0not connecting or interacting anymore.\u00a0That’s\u00a0a big problem.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Both speakers are encouraging residents to make small but meaningful efforts.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThere’s dopamine,\u201d Reimer says. \u201cIt’s moving your mental health numbers up.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
The event takes place February 18 from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Southeast Event Centre.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Wiens hopes people attend to gain a clearer understanding of what kindness really looks like and how small actions can support better mental health.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cA lot of people think taking those steps is something like starting these groups or doing something big.\u00a0It’s really not.\u00a0Start with the\u00a0small things. And\u00a0that’s\u00a0what we really want to focus on is small steps matter.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
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