As Christmas approaches, the season is filled with moments of generosity and compassion that bring communities together. For Deana Gauld from the Carman Christmas Cheer Board, this year’s holiday season will be remembered for an unexpected act of kindness that helped deliver 2,000 pounds of donated potatoes to those in need.
It all began on a routine day when Kyle Wiens, from Winkler Construction, was driving along after finishing a job. As he drove, he noticed a gentleman with a broken trailer—one that was severely damaged and unable to move. Without hesitation, Kyle stopped to offer his help. After assessing the situation, he realized the man was in need of a trailer to complete his delivery.
A quick decision to help
Wiens, knowing that Winkler Construction had resources close by, decided to head back to their shop to see if they could find a solution. “I offered to head to our shop, and see if we could find the resources to help,” he said. He quickly realized that the trailer they needed had already been loaned out to another group, Teen Challenge. So, he decided to borrow a trailer from Sun Valley Tire, a company they frequently work with.
Wiens then consulted with his father and the rest of his team at the shop. The decision was easy—help the man, no questions asked. What they didn’t know at the time was that the potatoes were destined for the Carman Christmas Cheer Board.
Working together in the spirit of Christmas
With the new trailer secured, Wiens and his team arrived at the broken-down trailer, where they met Mr. Pritchard from the Carman Christmas Cheer Board. Together, they formed a human chain, moving the 50-pound potato bales from one trailer to the other. The task was completed quickly with the help of Wiens and seven other team members.
“We formed a little line, and thankfully there were seven of us,” Wiens said. “We made quick work of it, and got his trailer back to our shop, ready for the road. The gentleman was able to get the potatoes back to Carman before they spoiled—so that was a win-win.”
Wiens’ decision to stop and help was not something he had to think about for long. As Christmas approaches, he knew that it was the right thing to do. “Everybody’s going through hard times these days, especially around Christmas,” he explained. “I just thought, ‘This gentleman seems like he needed help,’ and I was within a position where I could lift up his trailer or borrow another one if necessary. It just felt like the right thing to do.”
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Sun Valley Tire, located just across the street from Winkler Construction, was quick to lend their support as well. When Wiens realized that their own trailer was already in use, his father immediately contacted Ken Hildebrand from Sun Valley Tire, who was more than willing to help. Within 10 to 15 minutes, they were on-site, assisting with the potato transfer.
A memory that will last
The story of the Winkler Construction team and Sun Valley Tire’s generosity made a lasting impact on Deana Gauld from the Carman Christmas Cheer Board. “I’m just so touched by their kindness,” she said. “They didn’t have to stop, they didn’t have to give us their trailer, and they didn’t have to interrupt their busy day to help complete strangers. But they did, and it was amazing. This is one for the books.”
Reflecting on the experience, Wiens emphasized that the true spirit of Christmas lies in helping others, especially in times of need. “It’s just what we do. We help our neighbors out. And at Christmas, that’s especially important,” he said.
Thanks to these local businesses, 2,000 pounds of potatoes were delivered safely to the Carman Christmas Cheer Board, ready to help families in need, reminding us that a simple act of kindness can make a world of difference.
~ With files from Robyn Wiebe ~