Building Communities Grant Program Giving $37,000 in Support

We are proud to announce that nearly $37,000 will be disbursed through this fall’s Building Communities Grant Program, a testament to Sunrise Credit Union’s commitment to supporting impactful projects in communities.

For this fall’s program, we meticulously reviewed close to 50 applications, ensuring that four deserving projects, each representing a diverse aspect of our community, were selected for funding based on the criteria outlined in the guidelines.

“The Building Communities Grant Program continues to be a resounding success, supporting a varied range of community organizations and initiatives in the areas Sunrise Credit Union serves,” said CEO/President Tim Klassen, “We’re especially pleased with the diversity of this fall’s recipients, supporting mental health and wellness for youth and seniors, assisting with new construction of a new community amenity and honouring our historic past.”

The Westman Mental Wellness & Suicide Prevention Association will receive a $16,000 grant to help develop school mental health resource libraries in seven Sunrise Credit Union communities: Boissevain, Deloraine, Hartney, Melita, Reston, Virden, and Waskada. The resource library will have age-appropriate and
professionally reviewed, sourced, and supported literature via paper and online books, wellness activities, and mental health content, including directories for available support through local, provincial, and national services and programs.

The Deloraine Agricultural Society ‘Share the Shed’ project will receive a $12,500 grant. The project will see the construction of an open-sided shed at the fairgrounds. It will be used to host many events such as poker, bands, cornhole, and other entertainment. The structure would benefit the Deloraine Ag Society and other organizations within Deloraine.

A grant of $5,318 will allow the Pipestone Memorial Park Committee to complete its fundraising goal and finish its project. The project, which has revitalized a vacant lot into an attractive, inclusive green space, is a testament to the program’s contribution to community development. The park’s centrepiece, the cenotaph,
symbolizes the community’s commitment to preserving history.

The Cypress River Senior Centre is currently undergoing updates, and a $3,000 grant will assist with these renovations. Specifically, the grant will cover the cost of replacing the Centre’s baseboard heaters and the related electrical work, demonstrating the program’s support for community facilities.

Since its launch in the fall of 2024, the Building Communities Grant Program has contributed $131,318 to 11 projects and initiatives, each significantly impacting and enriching our community. The next intake period for the program will be in the spring of 2025, offering more opportunities to inspire and shape our community’s
future.