‘We have to help each other’: Martial arts instructor gives back to community for 40 years

Keith Saunders, a marital arts instructor in Winnipeg, is giving back to the community with food. (Zach Kitchen/CTV News Winnipeg)

A longtime martial arts instructor in Winnipeg is giving back to the community with the support of his family and friends.

Keith Saunders, master instructor at Saunders Taekwondo Academy, said he’s spent decades feeding unsheltered people in the city.

On Sunday, Saunders and his team gathered outside Siloam Mission with enough soup to serve 200 people.

Saunders said Sunday’s meal marked the 125th time they’ve given back to the community. He said it’s his way of providing comfort and encouragement through food.

“These people need help. I know what it means to be hungry, and if we can help them, we’re going to help them,” Saunders said.

“We usually have about 12 people on the team. Sometimes I get by with just two—it takes a little longer, but it gives me a chance to say what I need to say to them.”

Saunders’ message is simple: look out for one another.

“Don’t be afraid to come and give, because these are human beings. These are our family. These are people. This is our country. We have to help each other,” he said.