More than 4300 Winnipeggers have participated in Urban Exchange so far. That’s enough people to fill the Burton Cummings Theatre, Pantages Playhouse, Prairie Theatre Exchange and MTC Mainstage combined.
The Urban Exchange Advisory Panel is a diverse group – about as diverse as the fantastic performances you might see during any given theatre season in Winnipeg. They’re men and women with different socioeconomic backgrounds, from all areas of the city. They’ve reported dozens of cultural and/or ethnic backgrounds.
About 8% of the participants identified themselves as First Nations, Métis or Inuit, close to the actual percentage of Aboriginal people living in Winnipeg (about 10%, according to the 2006 Census – pdf).
More than 1000 youth (ages 15-24) have completed Urban Exchange surveys. About 250 people ages 75and over have participated, too.
At 96 years old, Wilhelmina Klimpke (pictured above) is one of the more seasoned members of the Advisory Panel. A lifelong volunteer, Wilhelmina has always believed that it’s important to be involved in her community. She decided to fill out our questionnaire on social issues when it was published in the Winnipeg Free Press, and she’s continued to participate in Urban Exchange, even staying in touch with United Way staff by telephone every now and then.
Wilhelmina grew up just outside Winnipeg, and has lived in the city with her husband Carl for more than 60 years. She served time in the Air Force as a parachute rigger and spent some time studying interior design after that.
Earlier this fall, Wilhelmina was interviewed by the Winnipeg Free Press about her involvement with Urban Exchange. You can read the story by clicking here.
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