In this series, The Citizen profiles locals who strive to make our little corner of Manitoba a better place. Each month, we feature a person, family, or business that helps brighten the world in some way. If you have someone in mind for a future month, please nominate them: jlavin@nivervillecitizen.com.
Susan Shaver has noticed that a lot of people seem to be struggling of late. Whether it’s a result of financial issues, depression, job insecurity, or holiday stress, she couldn’t help but observe a marked downturn in people’s spirits.
“People are down in the dumps, being mean to each other, lashing out, and just being miserable in day-to-day life,” says Shaver. “It just seemed everyone was just so unhappy, in what should be a happy time.”
While driving home from work one day recently—she calls it “windshield time”—she suddenly came up with an idea to get people out to do something fun. Something that wouldn’t require a huge commitment. Something that might bring a little smile to their day.
Her idea was to launch a community treasure hunt—but she knew she would have to most fast to get the event organized quickly enough to make it happen during the busy holiday season.
With time being of the essence, she stopped at various businesses around Niverville that very day and asked if they be interested in donating prizes. After receiving an unexpectedly great response, later that day she posted her idea to Facebook. From there, she was granted even more donations.
Shaver set to work assembling gift packages, getting so excited about the project that she decided to put together some children’s gift packages as well.
“I went to the local dollar store and purchased small items and candy and such to make kids packs,” she says. “And I caught up with Jonathan [Schmitke] at Bigway, who graciously donated Terry’s Christmas oranges for every gift package I made.”
The way the treasure hunt works is that everyday she posts a clue to Facebook, often in the form of a riddle. People then have to decipher the clue and head out into town to find the day’s prize.
The hunt has been a great success so far and many Niverville residents have chimed in with kudos for Shaver.
Stephan and Vanessa Geissler were able to find and claim the prize one day, and they also have the pleasure of knowing Shaver personally. The Geisslers point out how the holiday treasure hunt is getting people excited to engage with their community.
The Geisslers’ four-year-old daughter Heidi even got involved and found the kid’s prize one day.
“I drove with Mommy and Daddy to look for presents and we found them,” says Heidi. “I like that!”
“The scavenger hunt idea is fantastic, particularly in these cold winter months where people naturally grow crankier and have less patience,” says Stephan. “But far beyond the scavenger hunt, Susan is someone who has built her life around serving others, from her lengthy career as a paramedic and saving countless individuals to her current position as a paramedic instructor, leading the next guard as our protectors. She truly cares about the safety and health of all people. Niverville is lucky to have someone as thoughtful, caring, and devoted to the community and its citizens as Susan.”
Michelle Driedger agrees that Shaver is just an amazing community member in general. Recently, Dreidger’s vehicle got stuck in a town parking lot and she posted a request for help online. She says that Shaver immediately came by and helped her out.
“As far as the scavenger hunt goes, I thought it was truly amazing of her to not only organize this, but get out there and hide gifts and post clues,” Driedger says. “That’s all time she’s spending on her own and offering others free of charge. I had an absolute blast seeing her clue and racing out of my door to find the prize. It put such a smile on my face to play! I really want Susan to know that she is very much appreciated for doing things like this, especially now when everyone can use a little happiness and joy! She’s a really incredible person.”
Tyler Tardiff is a newcomer to Niverville. He and his family have been so pleased to participate in the hunt and use the opportunity to explore their new town.
“It’s a real fun way to get into the Christmas spirit,” says Tardiff, who also sees how impressive it is that she was able to garner so much support from local businesses.
Shaver is just as impressed with that.
“A huge shoutout goes to everyone who gave me stuff,” Shaver says with a laugh. “Because who just gives stuff to some random woman chattering about her great idea?”
So why has Shaver done all this?
“We have been through a lot in the past few years, and it’s wearing on everyone,” she says. “It seems that moods are poor, relationships are crumbling, there’s less money to spare, and people just seem to be angry at everyone. I just wanted to do something to brighten a day! My motto in life is ‘Be kind.’ It’s my email signature, usually written somewhere on my clothing, and just something I try to live by. And this just was something I felt I needed to do.”
After 20 years as a paramedic, Shaver moved to Niverville in 2015 with her son Ethan and says that they very quickly fell in love with the community. She also has an older son who has blessed her with three grandsons.
Shaver is currently an educator and clinical instructor for the Paramedicine Program at Red River College Polytech. She also volunteers with the local fire department and offers first aid services for Nighthawks games.
If there is a need to be met, chances are Susan Shaver and her “Be kind” motto are already on their way.
