As the personality inside the costume we all knew and loved as BUZZ, Kelly Ryback was as much a part of the Winnipeg community as any one person. From Bomber games to community events to fairs, festivals and parades...the biggest cheers were always saved for that zany bird. He was able to meet hundreds of appearances while working his career full-time and raising his family. Ryback knows how to manage a demanding schedule and meet his commitments.
Closeness of community is of great importance to Kelly to do this day. And it's a key pillar of his vision for St. James.
The community clubs, libraries, and area parks were the hubs of the neighbourhoods in St. James when Ryback was growing up. Residents banded together to support the facilities and neighbourhoods That's not the case as much anymore.
Ryback aims to rebuild that sense of community by working to introduce new community programming and new investment in the community clubs, libraries and parks. Kids and neighbours need to be active together and there needs to be safe and clean places for that.
After John Blumberg Golf Course was saved from development, Ryback was successful at delivering his Intro to Golf Day for St. James-Assiniboia School Division middle school students. Approximately eighty students have participated since 2023 with most experiencing their first time on the course. He accomplished this with grants from Golf Manitoba, donations from local sponsors including John Blumberg Golf Course and himself. The only requirement from the school division is to provide transportation and supervision. Ryback plans to continue this opportunity for years to come.
Ryback presented the idea to have a new spray pad constructed at Bord-Aire Community Club in 2024. The spray pad will now become a reality in 2027 or 2028. He presented numerous times to keep various pools open.
Ryback presented the idea to have a new spray pad constructed at Bord-Aire Community Club in 2024. The spray pad will now become a reality in 2027 or 2028. He presented numerous times to keep various pools open.
Ryback spearheaded the efforts to recognize the legendary music icons Ray St. Germain and Bachman-Turner Overdrive with honourary street namings. He supported the same honour for Wayne Walker. He did this for the entertainers, their families and fans but also to instill a sense of community pride with the intention to inspire the city's youth. Ryback intends to do more of the same for noteworthy St. James residents, both past and present.
Ryback's has a cast a wide net with his community support initiatives. He believes that if everyone did a little, a lot will get done. It is going to take the community to improve the community.
Ryback made hs first blood in a mobile unit in the parking lot at John Taylor Collegiate at eighteen years old. It's now been forty-four years and 126 more donations later.
Ryback made hs first blood in a mobile unit in the parking lot at John Taylor Collegiate at eighteen years old. It's now been forty-four years and 126 more donations later.
With your support, I can deliver solutions for St. James and Winnipeg.
