The family of Cooper Nemeth is giving back to Winnipeg’s most vulnerable.
Amber Nemeth, a relative of Cooper, started The Nemeth Initiative – a project putting care packages in the hands of people experiencing homelessness in Winnipeg.
Nemeth said in the days Cooper was missing, she developed a relationship with people in Winnipeg’s inner city and saw a side of people that made the family proud.
“I think many people don’t realize that many of city’s most vulnerable were aware of Cooper’s story and carried quarters in their pockets in case they spotted him,” Nemeth said. “I felt the need to give back,” she said.
Cooper Nemeth, 17 went missing in the early-morning hours of Feb. 14 in the Valley Gardens neighbourhood. His body was found in a bin on a property in same area a week later.
Nicholas Bell-Wright faces charges of second-degree murder.
Over the past three months, Nemeth has been working steadily on the project. On Friday, she dropped off 40 care packages to the Bear Clan’s offices at Selkirk Avenue and Powers Street.
“The Bear Clan was very instrumental with the search for Cooper, in finding possible locations where he may be. There were possible sightings of him in that core area,” she said.
“I approached James Favel of the Bear Clan and he totally was on board.”
The Nemeth Initiative has put together 100 care pack to date. The packages include toilet paper, toothbrush, bandages and granola bars.
Currently Nemeth is looking for donations of fruit, socks and gently used mitts and toques.
Anyone looking to donate can contact The Nemeth Initiative by email at thenemethinitiative@gmail.com, or on Instagram @thenemethinitiative.
Nemeth said The Nemeth Initiative is about highlighting the positive side of people even in the face of tragedy.
“It’s giving someone a reason to believe there is goodness in people,” she said.
