Lin Cripps, Winnipeg, letter: ‘I have never felt so welcomed’

WINNIPEG — My daughter and I visited your wonderful city last weekend.

We drove through a white-knuckle blizzard to get there, but boy, was it worth it.

Everywhere we went, we were treated with friendly, professional staff, from the stores — Kohl’s, Gordmans, Target and many more — to the restaurants and just about anyone we met.

It was my first visit, but now I know why Winnipeggers look so forward to making the trip.

When we were just about to leave to come home, we made our last stop at the Wal-Mart superstore and accidentally locked our car keys in the vehicle. We went to Wal-Mart's automotive department hoping that perhaps they could help, but to no avail.

However, a gentleman in line heard us ask for help and offered to try to get into our car for us. We didn’t get his last name, but Jerry was an angel; his efforts were not successful, but we so appreciated his help.

Thanks a million.

We called CAA and were redirected to AAA, where the most beautiful lady took all our details and set up a tow truck to get us into our car.

God bless her, she even asked us if we had a safe place to await the tow truck.

Then, Brian from Cenex station on 32nd Avenue South arrived in under 10 minutes.

After that, we were in our car and on our way.

I have worked in the hospitality industry for more than 30 years, but I have never felt so welcomed by such hospitable people.

Way to go, Grand Forks; we’ll be back.

Lin Cripps

Tags: in the mail, good samaritan, opinion, travel, winnipeg, hospitality, updates