A&W's Burgers to Beat MS Day returns on August 20th, 2026, marking 18 years of supporting Canadians affected by multiple sclerosis (MS). On this day, Canadians are invited to visit any local A&W across Canada, where $2 from every Teen Burger sold goes to MS Canada to support the lives and futures of Canadians affected by MS. Canadians can participate in the fight against MS by ordering a Teen Burger on August 20th, by ordering for dine-in, take-out, drive-thru or delivery! Group pre-orders for family gatherings or team lunches can be easily placed through this form. Canadians Supporting CanadiansAs a country with one of the highest rates of MS in the world, Burgers to Beat MS returns every year to support a cause close to home for many Canadians. On average, 12 Canadians are diagnosed every day; that's a diagnosis every two hours. MS not only affects the person diagnosed, but also their family, friends, and community. As Canada's Original Burger Chain, A&W is proud to partner with MS Canada to create a meaningful impact in our communities and deliver real support and positive change for Canadians affected by MS. PWHL Superstar Joins Forces To Beat MS This year, A&W and MS Canada are excited to welcome Olympic gold medalist and PWHL Vancouver Goldeneyes goaltender Kristen Campbell as an official media spokesperson for Burgers to Beat MS. As one of Canada's most celebrated athletes today, Kristen brings a powerful personal connection to the cause, having watched her mother, Janet Campbell, navigate life with multiple sclerosis for twenty-seven years. Driven by the mutual passion to help foster a brighter future for the MS community, Kristen is proud to champion this vital fundraiser in partnership with A&W, raising critical awareness and rallying Canadians to support programs and life-changing research for families affected by MS. "My mom, Janet, is my biggest role model. The fact that her MS diagnosis has never stopped her from living a full, happy life shows just how far research and treatments have progressed," says Kristen Campbell. "She has been my absolute anchor throughout my hockey career, always insisting on being in the stands for every practice and game, no matter what symptoms she's facing. That's why championing Burgers to Beat MS with A&W means so much to me. It's an opportunity to rally Canadians behind a disease that affects every family differently, and a way to honour my mom for everything she's given me." Since starting the partnership in 2008 with MS Canada, A&W Canada has raised more than $23 million in support of the MS community through Burgers to Beat MS. Funds raised go toward support programs like the MS Knowledge Network and peer support. It also helps drive world-class MS research focused on understanding the disease better, halting its progression, developing new treatments and early detection aimed at preventing MS for future generations. "With someone newly diagnosed approximately every two hours, MS touches families and communities from coast to coast," says Dr. Pamela Valentine, President and CEO of MS Canada. "For nearly two decades, Burgers to Beat MS has had a remarkable impact on the lives of Canadians affected by MS. Deeply committed partners like A&W help us expand essential support and wellness programs, and advance breakthroughs in research that are changing how the world understands and treats the disease today, restore previously lost function, and prevent MS tomorrow." While there are many ways to support a cause like MS, Burgers to Beat MS might just be the easiest and most delicious way to do some good. "Burgers to Beat MS started as a grassroots initiative by one of our franchisees, but through the support of our guests and franchisees, this day has become a beautiful symbol of Canadians helping Canadians," says Susan Senecal, CEO and President of A&W Canada. "Over the 18 years of partnership, our franchisees and Canadians have shown us how coming together over a meal can make a massive difference. We are so thankful for the support that allows us to make a difference in our own communities. We look forward to welcoming everyone on August 20th who's hungry to support a great cause!" Starting today, Canadians can also donate to MS Canada by rounding up their A&W bill, donating in restaurants, through the A&W App, online at BurgersToBeatMS.ca, or by adding a donation when ordering on UberEats, SkipTheDishes and DoorDash.

Brandon is getting ready to turn up the volume as Wheat City Woodstock takes over the Riverbank Discovery Centre for an afternoon of live music, food, vehicles and family fun. The event, presented by the Westman Filipino Community and Galilee Auto, runs from 3 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, August 22, with free admission for everyone. Organizers are billing Wheat City Woodstock as one of Brandon's biggest summer events, with food trucks, merchant vendors and hundreds of vehicles expected to be on display. Music will be a major part of the afternoon, with performances scheduled from Along For The Ride, Corny Rempel as Elvis and Liza-Jane Porter. Adding an extra element of excitement is a vehicle giveaway sponsored by Galilee Auto. One lucky attendee will have the opportunity to take home a pre-owned vehicle, although entrants must be present at the event when the draw takes place. With the combination of live entertainment, local vendors, food trucks and a massive vehicle display, organizers are hoping to make Wheat City Woodstock a memorable summer gathering for residents of Brandon and the surrounding area. Wheat City Woodstock takes place Saturday, August 22, from 3 to 8 p.m. at the Riverbank Discovery Centre. Admission is free.

Photo:  Paradigm Charter & Tours Facebook Paradigm Charter & Tours is bringing its group transportation and travel services to Brandon, expanding its operations into Manitoba with a new location set to open September 1, 2026. The Saskatchewan-based company recently announced the expansion on social media, saying the Brandon location will provide local access to the same charter transportation and organized group travel experiences that customers in Saskatchewan have come to know. With the new Brandon operation, Paradigm will offer transportation services for a variety of groups and events, including sports teams, corporate events, school groups and weddings. The company also specializes in professionally organized group tours, giving customers the opportunity to travel together to destinations for casino getaways, shopping trips, sporting events and multi-day excursions. According to Paradigm, the Brandon location is intended to make organizing group travel easier for customers in the city and throughout Western Manitoba. “Sit back, relax, and leave the driving to us while you enjoy the journey,” the company said in its announcement. The expansion will give local organizations, teams, businesses and community groups another option when arranging transportation for larger groups, while also providing residents with opportunities to take part in organized trips without having to worry about the driving. Paradigm is encouraging people in Brandon and Western Manitoba to spread the word about its new location and follow the company's social media pages for additional information and upcoming offerings. The Brandon operation officially begins September 1, marking the company's next step in expanding its charter and group travel services beyond Saskatchewan.

Brandon is getting ready for an evening of bluegrass, rockabilly and traditional country as Jake Vaadeland and the Sturgeon River Boys make their way to the Riverbank Discovery Centre on Thursday, August 13. The free-entry concert will give local music fans the chance to experience one of Canada's rising roots-music acts in an outdoor setting along the Assiniboine River. Originally from Cut Knife, Saskatchewan, Vaadeland is a self-taught multi-instrumentalist known for his guitar and banjo playing, powerful vocals and vintage-inspired musical style. His sound blends traditional bluegrass and country with the rockabilly influences of the 1950s. Together with the Sturgeon River Boys, Vaadeland has become known for energetic performances that combine tight musicianship with storytelling and humour, creating a show that feels like a throwback to the golden era of roots music while maintaining a youthful energy. Vaadeland has enjoyed a remarkable rise in recent years. In 2025, he became a Juno Award winner and made history as the youngest artist to achieve Road Gold certification after selling 25,000 tickets across Canada in a 12-month period. Brandon resident Scott Rouire is already looking forward to the show. “I’ve had this date penciled into my social calendar for weeks now, and I cannot wait to drag friends and family to the concert with me,” said Rouire. With its combination of classic sounds, upbeat performances and an outdoor Riverbank setting, the concert is expected to provide an entertaining evening for music fans of all ages. Whether you're a longtime bluegrass fan or simply looking for something fun to do on a summer evening, Jake Vaadeland and the Sturgeon River Boys are ready to bring plenty of energy to Brandon. The concert takes place Thursday, August 13 at the Riverbank Discovery Centre, with free entry for those looking to take in the show.

Rockin' the Fields of Minnedosa 2026 once again delivered an unforgettable festival experience, bringing together thousands of music fans for a weekend filled with outstanding entertainment, beautiful summer weather, and an incredible sense of community. Festival-goers were treated to near-perfect conditions throughout the event, allowing attendees to fully enjoy the outdoor concerts and everything the festival grounds had to offer. The lively performances kept crowds singing and dancing from afternoon until late into the evening, creating an electric atmosphere that carried throughout the weekend. Beyond the music, the festival offered something for everyone. A wide variety of food trucks served up delicious meals, snacks, and sweet treats, giving concert-goers plenty of tasty options between performances. The campgrounds were once again a highlight of the festival, with many campers showcasing innovative, creative, and beautifully decorated campsites. From elaborate themes and eye-catching decorations to welcoming gathering spaces, the campground became an attraction in itself and reflected the fun-loving spirit of the Rockin' the Fields community. Adding to the excitement were the popular 50/50 draws, which generated plenty of anticipation as attendees eagerly purchased tickets for a chance to take home a significant cash prize while supporting the festival. As another successful year comes to a close, Rockin' the Fields of Minnedosa continues to cement its reputation as one of Manitoba's premier summer music festivals, combining great music, fantastic food, friendly people, and unforgettable memories into one incredible weekend.