Laughs guaranteed at Southern Manitoba family event

Safe Families Manitoba is giving the community a great excuse to get outside and have some fun with their Dino Dash this Saturday.

Marlene Loeppky is a volunteer for Safe Families, and she is also on the leadership council for Steinbach.

"Safe Families is a National Christian organization that surrounds families in crisis with caring and compassionate community. We work and connect with churches and really surround a family with compassionate care," says Loeppky. 

The organization is throwing a fundraising event on September 25, from 4:00 - 7:00 pm at A.D. Penner Park in Steinbach. 

"We are so excited about this event. It's all about bringing families together and just having a great time. Someone on our team said, 'why don't we get these big blow-up dinosaurs and do this race.' It's going to be hilarious."

Anyone who is 4'11' or taller can participate in the race, as they must be tall enough to look through the plastic area in the dino suit. 

"It's a free event and the only thing you'll have to pay for is if you want food. We'll have mini donuts, cotton candy, and hot dogs. We're going to have Big Daddy Tazz as our comedian, and bouncy castles."

While Loeppky has only been with the ministry since January of this year, she feels called to be in this position.

"I think God calls us to take care of the widows and orphans, and just to love people. To be the hands and feet, and although we've heard that so many times, it really is true. All of us have needed help at one time. I think how different it is to raise children right now, and if I can support in getting the word out and supporting people, that is where I want to be."

She has also seen firsthand how the pandemic has affected families in her area. 

"With the pandemic, people are losing their jobs, getting sick, and children are often the people that fall through the cracks. We have been able to step in and be that resource that will give that mom a breathe. Especially single moms doing it all and keeping their head above water. We are there just to give them that extra hand," she says.