My WPG: Karly Tardiff
My WPG is a series introducing you to awesome Winnipeggers who share our passion for community-building and localism. In our latest post, meet fundraiser extraordinaire Karly Tardiff.
My story: I’m actually not originally from Winnipeg and I’ve only been living here for less than three years. I’m from Dryden, Ontario – about four hours east. I went to school in Thunder Bay and majored in Human Resource Management. Upon graduating from college and the ‘real world’ quickly closing in, I did what anyone in my situation would have done … I sold my stuff and left the country. I traveled around Europe and Southeast Asia before moving to Australia and eventually came home when my bank account was empty. I was going to work for a few months back in Canada then head to India but I realized a few months in Dryden was a few months too long (no offense to Dryden!) and that’s how I ended up in Winnipeg.
Here in Winnipeg, I work at Cancercare Manitoba Foundation and have put on two (overwhelmingly!) successful fundraising campaigns; Chain for Change – a world record attempt on the Red River Mutual Trail that raised over $147,000 for CancerCare Manitoba Foundation and the ‘Winnipeg is Good’ sweater campaign that has raised over $11,000 for Siloam Mission. Outside of that, I co-lead a run club (@badassladygangwpg, we meet at 6 p.m. every Wednesday on the *new* Tache Promenade) and love being outside winter or summer, whenever I can.My hood: I live in Norwood Flats and love it! It’s so close to downtown and it makes my commute incredibly short, it’s fantastic. I never knew this neighbourhood until I moved here! It’s so quiet and quaint, it doesn’t feel like I am in the city at all. It’s walking distance to so many great places in Winnipeg, like The Forks, too.
My go-to takeout: Helios, the side Greek salad. I only have to get the side because it is MASSIVE! It’s dangerous because it’s only a few short blocks from my place!
My ideal date night: The best date night for me is a low key one. A walk to one of the many amazing restaurants near our place, then a stroll to The Forks for dessert, finished by a walk back home to curl up on the porch with a good book… or pass out in a food coma, ha.
My guilty pleasure: Le Monkey Bar on the Provencher Bridge. They have banana ‘ice cream’ which is a godsend for those intolerant to dairy but still want to enjoy a cool treat.
My favourite local patio: Can I say my front porch?! We’ve got a couple papasan chairs and curling up on one of those with a glass of wine is hard to top. If I leave the house, I would have to go with Stella’s at CCFM. It’s just a quick bike ride away which is a major plus! I do think the NEW patio going in at The Forks will take over as my fave spot when complete, though ...
My favourite local coffee shop: There’s a fairly new spot just down the street from my place, The Canteen Coffee Shop, that is fantastic! It’s always a major bonus when things are in walking distance so this place quickly grabbed the #1 spot in my heart!
My favourite local brunch spot: Stella’s, hands down. Can’t go wrong with any of their breakfast items any time of day. I recently had brunch at VG in the Fairmont, though, and it was insane! I highly recommend checking it out.
My favourite local event: Manyfest. So many food trucks, so little time.
My best-kept secret: I don’t think it’s really a secret anymore but Winnipeg is GOOD! This city is incredibly welcoming, and if you have an idea you will be able to find people who want to help make it a success. I am so grateful for that and I believe the constant giving attitude of Winnipeggers perpetuates this cycle and makes it the most generous city in the world.
My ideal day off: Hitting the road and exploring some of the great outdoor attractions our city and province has to offer. Whether it’s staying close to home and walking paths around the river or heading out to Birds Hill – any outdoor activity, regardless of the season, is at your fingertips.
My favourite local band: Dirty Catfish Brass Band. They are so upbeat and entertaining, you can’t help but dance wherever you are when they come on.
My favourite splurge: Thermea – the full experience.
My favourite place to take out-of-towners: The Forks, easily.
Best bang for my buck: Stella’s again. Their consistency is so on point that you always know you will be extremely pleased with whatever you order and it will never break the bank.
One place I can’t walk into without buying something: Ugh, there are so many. Winnipeg is full of incredible makers. Any local market, I walk away with something. Pebble and Dime is a go-to jewelry favourite - dainty, stylish pieces to go with your everyday look. Northflag is also a great shop with local-inspired clothing that is soo GOOD :)
My favourite day trip or weekend away: Any weekend away I’ll hop across the border and hang out with my parents and dogs in Dryden (see, redemption for Dryden!) on the lake. There’s nothing like heading home.
One thing I want everyone to know about Winnipeg: It definitely becomes clear when Winnipeg becomes your home, but I want everyone to know how kind the city is. I’ve never felt such encouragement and support anywhere else I’ve lived. Winnipeg is so open-minded, full of potential and growth opportunities and it only requires putting yourself out there. I’ve said it once but I’ll say it again, Winnipeg is Good! Right, Laine?
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