As the calendar flips to May, residents of the Pembina Valley are once again encouraged to participate in a beloved local tradition: Pay It Forward May. Spearheaded by the Winkler Community Foundation, in collaboration with the Morden Area Foundation, the campaign is entering its 12th year of spreading kindness, generosity, and community spirit.
“Pay It Forward May is about making our community better—and we can all participate,” says Myra Peters, Executive Director of the Winkler Community Foundation. “It’s about encouraging people to look for ways they can do something kind, because you never know how that will impact someone else.”
“An individual decided to pay it forward by covering the order of the car behind them. It turned out to be more than just a coffee—but they still followed through. A few days later, the recipient came to our office. They’d forgotten their wallet and were having a tough day dealing with personal challenges. That simple act of kindness had a huge impact.” - Myra Peters, Executive Director with Winkler Community Foundation
A simple idea with a big impact
Since its inception, Pay It Forward May has invited people of all ages to perform acts of kindness—big or small—with the hope that these gestures will inspire others to do the same.
“You can pay it forward in so many ways,” Peters explains. “We’re just looking for people to share kindness and encourage others to do the same. This year, we’re using the phrase ‘Plant Kindness, Grow Community’ to keep the message simple and inspiring.”
Whether it’s buying someone’s coffee in the drive-thru, helping a neighbour with yard work, or simply holding the door for a stranger, every act matters.
One coffee, countless ripples
Peters has witnessed countless touching stories, but one drive-thru moment still stands out.
“An individual decided to pay it forward by covering the order of the car behind them,” she recalls. “It turned out to be more than just a coffee—but they still followed through. A few days later, the recipient came to our office. They’d forgotten their wallet and were having a tough day dealing with personal challenges. That simple act of kindness had a huge impact.”
Peters emphasizes that it’s not about whether someone “looks” like they need help. “Everybody can use some kindness,” she says.
“Keep watering those seeds—of kindness and of flowers, You never know how far it will grow.” - Myra Peters, Executive Director with the Winkler Community Foundation
Your Talents Can Be Kindness, Too
This year, Peters hopes participants will think outside the box when deciding how to pay it forward.
“There are lots of talented people in our community,” she says. “Use your skills—draw a picture, paint something, write a card, or share a plant cutting. Visit someone who may be feeling lonely. You don’t have to do something big. You just have to do something meaningful.”
Share your story to inspire others
While many acts of kindness happen quietly, Peters encourages people to share their stories through social media or directly with the Winkler Community Foundation.
“You can follow us on Instagram or Facebook, or visit winklercommunityfoundation.com to submit your story,” she says. “Whether you paid it forward, received kindness, or simply witnessed it in action, we want to hear from you. These stories inspire others—they remind everyone that they can take part.”
“Keep watering those seeds—of kindness and of flowers,” she says with a smile. “You never know how far it will grow.”