The vision of Evergreen a United Neighbourhood is strong people living in a healthy and safe community.

Evergreen a United Neighbourhood is a grass roots organization that support children, youth and their families who reside in the Simpson Ogden community. Today our essential programs are feeding and building a strong neighbourhood which is done by supporting area youth with art, volunteerism, and skill building.

We have been around since 2006 as a national project, incorporated in 2008, before today we are operating out of the Evergreen House for our 9th year, offering a safe place to meet, learn and grow for the youth. Our funders assist us for feeding and mental health supports for area children and youth.

Accomplishments

Was given the former biker property on Heron Street and converted it to Evergreen House
Evergreen House is safe place for community members to meet , learn and share
Adopted Minnesota Park and lead community sports and recreation programs for over a decade
Identify community issues and work with city departments to create positive change
Working with property standards to remove derelict buildings in area
Safe needle disposal boxes with the City and Superior Points-first in Ontario
2011 Inaugural Crime Prevention Award for Outstanding Community Project
First neighbourhood association in Thunder Bay
2008 Local Heroes Award from the Canada Urban Institute

Executive Director Bio

Linda Bruins continues to revitalize our community while keeping her focus on the most-important aspect: the people. The always-smiling Executive Director of Evergreen A United Neighbourhood has built a reputation for working with people of all ages and from all walks of life, moving everyone toward a common vision – strong people living in a healthy and safe community. “I felt overall, we’ve always had a good community, but with safety issues,” Bruins said. “I’ve been aware for a long time, growing up in the Simpson-Ogden neighbourhood, that we need to support one another.”

“Everybody wants to help,” she said.

Growing up in this neighbourhood has shaped the person I am today and I honoured to work in this community for over a decade .

Evergreen a United Neighbourhood, a neighbourhood association serving the Simpson-Ogden neighbourhood, has become a huge success, but it’s not the only initiative Linda has embraced as she works to make Thunder Bay a safer, more-vibrant place to live. She’s also a former board member at the PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise. She has received numerous prestigious accolades for her tireless support of Thunder Bay and its people, including a 2012 Good Citizen Award from the City of Thunder Bay, and a 2012 June Callwood Outstanding Achievement Award for Voluntarism from the Ontario government. Perhaps most importantly, Linda has proven to be a valued and trusted friend and ally to those she works with. One such colleague notes Linda is “always there when we need her, is a great listener, and is kind and supportive to everyone she works with.”

Other awards

2008 Local Heroes Award Urban Leadership
2010 Paro Volunteer of the year at the Women of Distinction Awards
2010 Woman of Distinction at the Women of Distinction
2011 Illka T. Ovaska Award for Social Responsibility through the Bay Credit Union
2011 5 year Volunteer Service Awards for Paro Centre for Women’s Enterprise by the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration
2012 Outstanding Community Project at the inaugural City of Thunder Bay Crime Prevention Awards
2012 June Callwood Outstanding Achievement Award for Volunteerism (to Linda Bruins)
2012 Good Citizen Award – City of Thunder Bay to Linda Bruins
2014 Community Hero Award to Linda Bruins Mayors Community Safety Awards
2014 Paros top 20 in 20 years award