Neighbourly: Real Stories of Care and Community

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What if caring for others was not one more thing on the calendar, but the way we live? Pastor Rob Borgerson joins Shannon to share how a handful of small, faithful yeses grew into a culture of service at the Winnipeg Church of Christ. From being welcomed as a skeptical 17-year-old, to saying yes to preteens he was not sure he was wired to lead, Rob traces a thread of ordinary presence, humility, and practical love. We talk about building culture on purpose, helping people start where they are, and why God delights in our willingness even when it is messy. It is an honest, encouraging look at love as a lifestyle.

Rob Borgerson serves as a pastor with the Winnipeg Church of Christ, a diverse community gathering at Bronx Park Community Centre in Winnipeg. Rob and his wife, Kaydi-Ann, care deeply about cultivating a church family where people show up for one another in practical ways and grow together in faith.

04:30 "Caring as a Lifestyle"

08:37 "Building a Culture of Service"

10:17 Journey to Leadership Through Gratitude

15:45 Change to Improve Results

18:55 "Congregant's Child Finds Faith"

19:59 "Transformative Care and Ministry"

25:20 "Forget the Former Things"

26:43 God Works in Unexpected Ways

31:20 "Start Moving, Improve Your Circle"

https://wcoc.ca/

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About the CarePortal: careimpact.ca/careportal

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What holds Canadian communities together when the world feels frayed at the edges?

Johan digs into stories of ordinary neighbours going the extra mile—from Collingwood curlers who trade brooms for bikes to raise money for hospice care, to volunteers in Cambridge answering the call to be a friend to those feeling isolated. The episode highlights the urgent need for drivers and meal delivery volunteers in East Parry Sound, reminding us that sometimes compassion is as simple as showing up with a seatbelt and a smile.

With plenty of warmth and wit, Johan shares real moments of kindness, neighbourly quirks, and the quiet power of simple acts, leaving listeners inspired to find their own way to make a difference close to home.

00:43 "Have a Heart"

02:40 Combating Isolation Through Connection

03:59 Neighbourhood Watch | Neighbours Make a "Stink"

05:30 Opportunities in Parry Sound

We retell each story in our own words with clear attribution to the original reporting.

1️⃣ Extra Innings of Kindness

Original story: “Blue Jays fans show off classic Canadian kindness to opposing teams” by The Canadian Press, CityNews Halifax (Oct. 26, 2025).

Additional context: Toronto fans donating to Seattle Children’s Hospital after the ALCS, Toronto Life (Oct. 21–22, 2025).

2️⃣ Moncton’s Thank-You Walks

Original story: “Newcomer family in Moncton does weekly cleanups to show gratitude” by Rhythm Rathi, CBC News New Brunswick (Oct. 26, 2025)

🔎 Neighbourhood Watch — The Great French Fry Mystery

Original story: “The Great French Fry Mystery” by Harley Rustad, Toronto Life (Aug. 11, 2025).

3️⃣ Blankets & Belonging on the Island

Original story: “Indigenous people living off-reserve are forging community and connections in P.E.I.” by Delaney Kelly, CBC News P.E.I. (Oct. 27, 2025).

Program context: Strengthening Aboriginal Families Effectively (SAFE) — Native Council of P.E.I. ncpei.com

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About the CarePortal: careimpact.ca/careportal

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How does a single, ordinary moment of kindness ripple through a whole neighbourhood? While Shannon attends to a family matter, Johan steps in to revisit Audra's beautiful story—one that encapsulates what Neighbourly is all about. We hear how Audra’s family legacy of generosity shaped her heart for others, and how an open inbox and the practical use of CarePortal led her to reach out to a neighbour in need. What began as a simple delivery quickly turned into a powerful chain of compassion, drawing her community together and forging friendships in unexpected places. Through Audra’s experience, this conversation gently reminds us that care doesn’t have to be grand—just present—and that with intention and a little courage, ordinary people truly can offer extraordinary care.

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About the CarePortal: careimpact.ca/careportal

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Partner with work of CareImpact and Neighbourly!

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Can a homemade welcome kit change someone’s first day in town? Find out how Labrador neighbours spread belonging with socks and treats, meet Harold in Cambridge—the fixer-upper friend who makes generosity a way of life, and learn why talking to strangers could be the secret to building a happier, more connected community. Each story offers a fresh take on everyday kindness across Canada.

00:36 "Harold: The Helpful Neighbour"

03:25 Neighbourhood Watch: "Prrfect Neighbours"

05:18 "Micro-Bravery: Power of Small Connections"

06:53 "Neighbourly Good News"

Story 1 – “Facing population decline, Labrador Straits group rolls out the welcome mat”

Original source: CBC News – Newfoundland & Labrador

Author: Andrea McGuire

Published: September 2, 2025

URL: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/labrador-straits-welcoming-communities-1.7275974

Attribution line: Story adapted from reporting by Andrea McGuire for CBC Newfoundland and Labrador (Sept 2, 2025).

Story 2 – “Random Acts of Kindness: We surprise Harold, the neighbour everyone wishes they had next door”

Original source: CambridgeToday

Author: Zaafina Naqvi, Community Cares Team

Published: June 18, 2025

URL: https://www.cambridgetoday.ca/community/random-acts-of-kindness-we-surprise-harold-the-neighbour-everyone-wishes-they-had-next-door-8999378

Attribution line: Story adapted from reporting by Zaafina Naqvi for CambridgeToday (June 18, 2025).

Story 3 – “The big meaning behind micro-relationships, and why we should talk to strangers more”

Original source: The Canadian Press (via CBC News)

Authors: Brieanna Charlebois and Nono Shen

Published: September 21, 2025

URL: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/micro-relationships-talking-to-strangers-1.7278873

Attribution line: Story adapted from reporting by Brieanna Charlebois and Nono Shen for The Canadian Press, published by CBC (Sept 21, 2025).

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About the CarePortal: careimpact.ca/careportal

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Partner with work of CareImpact and Neighbourly!

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Neighbourly launches its first conversation with hosts Johan Heinrichs and Shannon Steeves, explaining the shift from “Journey With Care” to a new focus on everyday community stories. Shannon shares her heart for building bridges in Winnipeg and why listening to ordinary people matters. The team outlines how listeners can expect a mix of in-depth interviews and quick “Neighbourly Headlines” featuring positive Canadian news. Real-life accounts, from waiting to deliver groceries to single moms to participating in a Cost of Poverty experience, reveal the sometimes-messy but always powerful impact of patient, neighbourly love.

00:30 Why Our Focus Shifted

06:32 Amplifying Personal Stories' Impact

09:12 Highlighting Positive News Stories

11:12 Canadian Engagement Podcast Plan

15:54 Everyday Neighbours Building Community

19:56 "Encouragement and Empathy in Action"

21:25 Patience and Connection's True Value

26:07 Caring for Neighbours' Impact

30:20 "Cost of Poverty Experience Expands"

32:39 Join Neighbourly: Share Your Story

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About the CarePortal: careimpact.ca/careportal

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Partner with work of CareImpact and Neighbourly!

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Formerly Journey With Care, we’re stepping into a new season with a new name and a clearer focus—Neighbourly. This warm, story-driven podcast centers on the ordinary ways people show extraordinary care. Every other week, host Shannon Steeves invites guests to share honest, dignifying stories of kindness, faith, and presence. On alternating weeks, Johan Heinrichs hosts Neighbourly Headlines, short reflections on Canadian stories that highlight neighbours stepping up in extraordinary ways.

This trailer introduces you to the heart behind the change and the renewed focus of our conversations. The very first full episode launches October 15, 2025. Stay subscribed to this feed to get new episodes!

Ordinary people. Extraordinary care

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About the CarePortal: careimpact.ca/careportal

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What does it truly mean to walk alongside others through seasons of challenge, healing, and growth?

In this heartfelt conversation, Tim Smith and Johan Heinrichs speak with Josée, a mother, homeschooler, and family coach from the Ottawa area. Josée shares stories from her family’s adoption journey and her work with Safe Families, revealing how her pursuit of trauma care training through CareImpact has shaped both her home life and community involvement. With practical insights into compassion, connection, and equipping the Church to serve well, Josée encourages listeners to deepen their understanding of trauma, embrace empathy in all relationships, and become safe spaces for those in need.

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About the CarePortal: careimpact.ca/careportal

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Partner with work of CareImpact and Neighbourly!

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Today's question: "What if I just don't like my neighbour—can I still love them if it's only out of obedience, not emotion?"

In this lighthearted Summer Speedos conversation, your messy adviser, Johan, unpacks the awkward realities of caring for people who might be more challenging than charming. Using a mix of relatable stories, biblical reflection, and a dash of humour, Johan explores what happens when love feels more like duty than delight. Whether you've ever dodged a call, felt your patience stretched by a care initiative, or questioned your motives for helping, there's wisdom and encouragement here for anyone navigating the not-so-smooth side of serving others. Perfect for those summer moments when you need a quick dose of real talk and hope to keep you loving well—even when it's messy.

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About the CarePortal: careimpact.ca/careportal

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Partner with work of CareImpact and Neighbourly!

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Today's question: "I want to love my neighbours, but I'm not sure what that's supposed to look like. Does it have to be big and obvious, or is the small stuff enough?"

Your messy adviser, Johan, dives into the not-so-clear moments of being neighbourly—where the line between a loving gesture and passive-aggressive landscaping gets hilariously blurry. This quick Summer Speedos conversation tackles the everyday tension of wanting to show care, without always knowing if you’re supposed to bake a casserole, quote scripture, or just give a friendly nod on garbage day. With a playful nudge to all you overthinkers (you know who you are), Johan offers some biblical wisdom, strips away the formulas, and celebrates the unnoticed acts that might just be more meaningful than you think. Perfect for your own messy, curious, and very Canadian summer journey.

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Reach out to us! https://neighbourlypodcast.ca

Email: [email protected]

About the CarePortal: careimpact.ca/careportal

DONATE! Help connect and equip more churches across Canada to effectively journey well in community with the most vulnerable: careimpact.ca/donate

Partner with work of CareImpact and Neighbourly!

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Today’s question: “I love people, but I’m exhausted. Does stepping back mean I’ve stopped caring?”

In this summer instalment of Journey With Care’s “Messy Advice” series, your messy adviser, Johan, dives into that familiar tension of wanting to support others without sacrificing your own rest. This conversation playfully unpacks the difference between deep care and constant availability, drawing inspiration from one of Jesus’s quietest habits. Whether you fantasize about going off-grid or just long for one uninterrupted evening, you’ll find camaraderie, fresh perspective, and a few laughs that give you full permission to pause—without guilt. Pull up a chair (or hammock!) and enjoy this refreshingly honest take on boundaries, burnout, and why loving well sometimes means loving yourself, too.

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Reach out to us! https://neighbourlypodcast.ca

Email: [email protected]

About the CarePortal: careimpact.ca/careportal

DONATE! Help connect and equip more churches across Canada to effectively journey well in community with the most vulnerable: careimpact.ca/donate