For years, Portage la Prairie resident Bob Neufeld has been quietly walking the path along the train tracks, picking up garbage, collecting stray clothing, and even removing dangerous items from public spaces, all without asking for recognition. But now, the community members are starting to notice.
What began as a way to rehabilitate his knee after surgery in 2017 turned into a near-daily act of community service.
"I started walking after rehab, and one day I took a couple of bags with me," Neufeld said. "I'd walk three or four blocks and have those bags full. I'd put it all in the dumpster or recycling."
Neufeld, now in his late 60s, doesn't consider what he does special.
"It doesn't really do anything for me to be recognized," he said modestly. "I just keep doing what I do, because it makes the community look better."
But those who pass him on the path don't see it that way. Some have passed his name along to city officials and even surprised him with gift cards in appreciation.
Over the years, Neufeld has found everything from broken tools to stolen goods and dangerous items, including knives and boxes of unused needles.
"I used to take stuff to the police station," he said. "Now I just destroy what I can or throw it in the dumpster."
His wife, Terry Neufeld, says his efforts are about more than just garbage collection.
"He does it because he cares," she said. "He was so disgusted with the garbage we saw on a train trip through we took threw the prairies, he came back and wanted to make a difference here." She added with a laugh that the grandkids are horrified when he brings home unopened food he finds.
Beyond cleaning up, Neufeld also hopes to quietly shift perceptions of Portage.
"If I were a train passenger going through this town," he said, "I'd say, hey, this town looks pretty clean. I think I might want to live here."
Terry believes her husband's actions are also an important example to the next generation.
"It only takes a spark to get a fire going," she said. "If one kid sees what Bob's doing and decides to help a neighbor or pick up garbage, that's how change starts."
Though he prefers to keep a low profile, Bob Neufeld's quiet dedication is leaving a lasting mark, not just on the walking path he walks twice a day, but on the community that now walks a little prouder because of him.