The Altona Emergency Services Ball Saturday night brought together not only the community's fire and police members, but also their colleagues from across the region. The event had a dual purpose; to recognize those serving the community through police and fire departments, but also to raise money for Special Olympics Manitoba.
Organizer and Special Constable Julie Seniuk was amazed by the support from a full Rhineland Pioneer Centre.
“I am just so grateful for so many people that showed up,” she shared. “The place is packed. The energy is off the wall. It's so, so good. I'm just overwhelmed, and just completely humbled by this. Our community showed up for us. It's just overwhelming.”
Seniuk reflected on the partnership between the Altona Police Service and Altona/Rhineland Emergency Services, a relationship that brings the two departments together often and, sometimes, during tremendously difficult circumstances.
“These are our brothers and sisters in service, and we have a close bond just being part of our community, but also on scenes,” she said. “I feel the relationships are like none other. They show up for each other, and in good times and bad, we are here for each other.”
Special Olympics athlete from Winkler, Janell Brown, was the highlight of the night, as she shared her story of training to be part of Canada's snowshoe team heading to Turin, Italy in March to compete at the 2025 Special Olympics World Games. Brown competes locally with the Winkler Bear Paws snowshoe club and was part of Team Manitoba when it travelled to Calgary this past February for the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games. Due to her performance there, she was selected to be part of Team Canada.
“I was just enthralled with her answers,” said Seniuk. “I've met Janell. She's trained with the (Altona) Panthers for track and field. She's a great girl. She's going to do great at worlds. She has commitment and is going to do great.”
In an update provided Monday morning, the Altona Police Service said about 250 people attended the event and raised, according to early estimates, about $10,000 for Special Olympics Manitoba and its athletes that are having their lives enriched through sport at Clubs across the province.
“Our athletes are receiving amazing support from our community,” added Seniuk. “I know our Altona Panthers will benefit from this evening, as well. We have support from firefighters, from police officers, from our community for Special Olympics athletes. I can't wait to see where we go. from here.”
And the question of, “What’s next?” was already being asked while the event was still happening Saturday.
“Someone's already mentioned to me we need to continue this fire and police event, and I 100% agree,” she said. “We need to continue to support our Special Olympics athletes.”
You can listen to the entire conversation with Special Constable Julie Seniuk, below.
- With files from Candace Derksen -