Key facts
- Stolen items
- 75 costumes and 20 Ghana soccer jerseys
- Theft location
- Banning Street, near Notre Dame Avenue, Winnipeg West End
- Volunteer sewers
- 32 people sewed all day Friday and Saturday
- Donors
- More than 100 people donated fabric or money
- Youth dancers
- About 40 dancers perform multiple times per night
- Investigation
- Winnipeg Police property crime unit ongoing
Background
Two plastic storage bins containing about 75 costumes and 20 Ghana soccer jerseys were stolen from the trunk of the Wormenor family’s car while parked on Banning Street, near Notre Dame Avenue, in Winnipeg’s West End. The theft was discovered Thursday afternoon, days before the Folklorama festival was set to begin.
The costumes belonged to the Ghana Union of Manitoba Dancers, whose members had spent months rehearsing for Folklorama. Each dancer performs in two or three dances per show, and each dance requires a different outfit. Volunteers were devastated by the loss, with pavilion volunteer Jaelynne Wormenor saying she thought recreating the outfits was impossible.
Current situation
After the theft, the Ghana pavilion and Folklorama used social media to seek fabric donations and ask for help sewing new outfits within three days. The response was overwhelming: 32 people sewed all day Friday and Saturday at the Notre Dame Recreational Centre in St. Boniface, where the pavilion is being held.
More than 100 people donated fabric or money, while others brought food, drinks and gifts. The soccer jerseys were replaced with printed T-shirts. Two volunteers returned with sewing machines on Sunday, the pavilion’s first night of shows, to handle any repairs or alterations between performances.
The new outfits were worn by dozens of young dancers during their opening performances Sunday night. Parents and volunteers had tears in their eyes, with Wormenor describing the moment as emotional and a celebration of resilience. Pavilion co-ordinator Abigail Larson said she felt proud to be Ghanaian and from Winnipeg.
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| Costumes stolen | 75 |
| Soccer jerseys stolen | 20 |
| Volunteer sewers | 32 |
| Donors | 100+ |
Impacts
The theft directly affected about 40 youth dancers who perform multiple times per night during Folklorama. Without the replacements, the pavilion’s week-long run of shows would have been jeopardized. The community response ensured the performances could go ahead as scheduled.
Volunteers from other Folklorama pavilions and cultural associations were among the donors, strengthening ties within Winnipeg’s multicultural community. The pavilion is displaying the names of those who helped replace the outfits and jerseys to recognize and thank them during each show.
The original costumes, made by people in Ghana and Winnipeg, remain missing as of Tuesday morning. Winnipeg Police Service spokesman Const. Pat Saydak said an investigation by the property crime unit is ongoing. Volunteers continue to check back lanes and garbage bins in the West End in case the clothing is dumped.
Future outlook
Scenario analysis: The possibilities below are not certain predictions.
If the original costumes are recovered, the pavilion may be able to use them for future performances or return them to the dancers. However, it remains unclear whether they will be found, and the investigation is still ongoing.
The success of the sewing effort could inspire similar community responses in the future. Volunteer Sarah Stecy encouraged people to help local community members when they can, suggesting that the experience may lead to more people offering their skills in times of need.
If the pavilion continues to receive support, it may be able to sustain its performances throughout the festival. However, if additional costumes are needed or if the originals are not recovered, the dancers may have to rely on the new outfits for the remainder of Folklorama.
Source: winnipegfreepress.com
