Westman Communications Group (WCG) hosted a charity barbecue event in Gladstone on July 18, 2024. All proceeds went to Gladstone Minor Ball, a cause chosen by the residents of Gladstone. After a matched donation from WCG, the event raised $4,090.20. The Connecting Westman Tour is a community-driven initiative that allows WCG to serve its members and support the projects that matter most to community members. At the Gladstone Co-op, WCG served hotdogs and smokies with donation-based pricing. Attendees donated $2,045.10, which was matched by WCG, bringing the total amount raised to $4,090.20. On behalf of the Gladstone Minor Ball Association, Con Gardiner stated, “We would like to thank everybody that came and supported us in this endeavor. We also want to thank Westman Communications Group for providing everything and the great help in making this possible for our community. Seeing the kids' smiles when they come out onto the field is what it’s all about. Thank you very much.” The 2024 Connecting Westman Tour has donated over $22,000 to initiatives across Notre Dame, Dauphin, and Gladstone. WCG’s last stop for the summer is planned for Boissevain on August 15th. For more information on the Connecting Westman Tour, or to submit a community initiative for funding from the Tour, please visit the WCG website.

Westoba Credit Union (Westoba) is excited to announce $5,000.00 in funding from the Westoba Inspire program to help improve accessibility at Ninette Community Place and the Ninette & District Activity Centre. Located across the street from Westoba’s Ninette branch, Ninette Community Place is home to the Ninette and District Activity Centre, as well as a community hall and kitchen. The Ninette & District Activity Centre is open regularly for people to gather and play cards or pool, get a book, work on a puzzle, or just connect with others. Senior Independent Services Coordinator and Activity Centre Volunteer Board President, Myra Jonsson says the Community Place and Activity Centre are the only public facility of their kind in Ninette. “Ninette Community Place is the ONLY public gathering space in Ninette and services people of all ages, said Jonsson, “the hall and the Activity Centre are used for a wide number of regular activities." Jonsson says that the Activity Centre has allowed seniors to remain in the community longer. “The Ninette & District Activity Centre's mission is to promote healthy aging, independence, and the well-being of older adults through health, wellness, educational, cultural, and recreational programs, and services. This facility reduces social isolation and empowers residents of this area and older adults to lead meaningful and connected lives in which they are engaged and participating in the community.” Funding from Westoba will support the creation of accessible parking space and the installation of a vertical lift into the building. “Right now, we only have 1 accessible parking space at the front of the building,” said Jonsson. “Access into the building is by walking or wheeling up a long metal ramp that is not always manageable for people with mobility issues. With these funds, we will create more accessible parking space at the back of the building near a vertical lift creating accessible entrance into the Activity Centre which will flow into the Community Place Hall.” Westoba President and CEO, Jim Rediger says the investment in this facility reflects Westoba’s values. “This space is an important resource to this region and directly impacts the success of this thriving community and the residents. It’s facilities like this that bring people together and help build a strong community. This reflects our value of innovative thinking and meeting the needs of our communities. “ Construction on the new vertical lift at Ninette Community Place is expected to begin soon with completion aimed at this fall.

Westoba Credit Union (Westoba) is excited to announce $5,000.00 in funding from the Westoba Inspire program to stock the shelves at Sara’s Pantry in Glenboro. Sara’s Pantry is a food security program serving Glenboro and area. Volunteer Operations Manager for Sara’s Pantry, Charlene Claeys-Godard says the funding will be used to purchase staple food items from local businesses. “All the non-perishable and perishable food items we purchase are from local businesses within the community and area,” said Claeys-Goddard. Westoba has a history of supporting Sara’s Pantry since it was established in 2020. Released 10.07.20-Glenboro-Community-Aims-to-Establish-a-Food-Security-Program.pdf (westoba.com) Claeys-Godard says the need for food security continues to grow and that Sara’s Pantry serves 10- 12 families every month. “We have seen an increase in the senior population needing our support,” said Claeys-Godard. “The cost of everything is going up but for seniors, their income is not increasing.” Sara’s Pantry provides bi-monthly food hampers specific to family size and dietary needs. “Families with young children have different needs than a single person or someone with a health condition that requires a specific diet, so we make sure we understand the needs of the request and offer options. Funding from Westoba will help us to ensure we can meet those needs,” said Claeys-Godard. Carberry & Ninette Branch Manager, Marie Bodnarchuk is currently transitioning out of her volunteer role at Sara’s Pantry that she has held since 2019 but remains committed to the cause. “Giving time to a project as important as Sara’s Pantry is a very fulfilling opportunity,” said Bodnarchuk. “There are people relying on this service for nutritious food on their table. It is only possible because of our volunteers and donations like this one from Westoba." Charlene Claeys -Godard encourages community members interested in getting involved with Sara’s Pantry to contact Sara’s Pantry on Facebook @saraspantryglenboro; Instagram @saras.pantry or email saraspantry2020@gmail.com.

In a bid to bolster community engagement and support local businesses,  www.bdnmb.ca, has recently unveiled its latest initiative - a comprehensive business directory. This innovative addition aims to serve as a one-stop hub for residents to discover and connect with various businesses operating within the region. To view the directory, or to add a listing please click here. The decision to introduce the business directory stems from a profound understanding of the pivotal role local businesses play in shaping the identity and vitality of neighborhoods. By providing a platform that promotes these enterprises, www.bdnmb.ca not only fosters economic growth but also strengthens the sense of community cohesion.   With the newly launched directory, residents now have unparalleled access to a diverse array of businesses spanning across different sectors such as retail, dining, healthcare, and professional services. From family-owned boutiques to renowned eateries, the directory encapsulates the rich tapestry of entrepreneurial endeavors that characterize the local landscape. What sets www.bdnmb.ca's business directory apart is its user-friendly interface and robust features. Users can effortlessly navigate through the directory to find businesses that align with their specific needs and preferences. Whether it's locating a nearby coffee shop or sourcing a reputable plumber, the directory simplifies the process while empowering consumers with informed choices. Furthermore, the directory serves as a boon for local businesses striving to enhance their visibility and reach within the community. By securing a listing, businesses gain exposure to a wider audience base and capitalize on targeted marketing opportunities. This increased visibility not only translates into heightened foot traffic and sales but also fosters long-term brand loyalty among residents. In addition to benefiting consumers and businesses, the business directory also plays a pivotal role in advancing www.bdnmb.ca's mission of being a trusted source of information and resources for the community. By consolidating pertinent business listings in one centralized platform, the site reinforces its position as the go-to destination for all things related to local affairs and commerce. As the community continues to evolve and grow, www.bdnmb.ca remains committed to adapting and innovating to meet the changing needs of its residents. The introduction of the business directory underscores this commitment, serving as a testament to the site's unwavering dedication to fostering community prosperity and connectivity. The launch of the business directory marks a significant milestone in its ongoing efforts to enrich the lives of residents and support the vibrant tapestry of local businesses. By harnessing the power of technology and community collaboration, the directory embodies the spirit of unity and resilience that defines the essence of the local landscape. As residents embrace this new resource, they can look forward to a future imbued with endless possibilities and opportunities for growth. To view the directory, or to add a listing please click here. In addition to the most recent website upgrade and business directory, bdnmb.ca also plans to release new apps for both IOS and Androids user in the coming weeks.

Westman Communications Group (WCG), a member-owned cooperative providing high-quality telecommunication services to communities throughout Manitoba, has recently upgraded the community of Elkhorn with XSTREAM GIG Internet services. The plan offers a download speed of up to 950 Mbps and an upload speed of up to 50 Mbps. XSTREAM GIG delivers the fast fibre-based Internet speed that members need for the modern era of communication. “We have worked incredibly hard to ensure that our services meet and exceed member expectations,” said E.J. Keys, President and CEO of WCG. “Expanding Gigabit speeds is an opportunity for us to continue to innovate and improve, as well as to provide local support to rural communities.” Elkhorn is the most recent community to be upgraded to WCG’s GIG services. Still, numerous others have recently been connected for the XSTREAM GIG plan. WCG continues to work community-to-community to provide premium telecommunications services that connect Manitobans to the global economy. “As a communications-focused cooperative, innovation is a key pillar of WCG,” said Brandi Crowe, Marketing Manager of WCG. “We have been actively upgrading our networks across Manitoba, allowing us to bring Gig speeds to hybrid-fibre communities. We will continue our work to get more of our communities up to speed throughout 2024 for residences and businesses.” For more information about WCG and the services it provides or to learn more about its internet offers in Elkhorn and other Manitoba communities, contact WCG Customer Service at 204-725-4300 or 1-800-665-3337, follow WCG on social media, or visit http://westmancom.com. For details about Westman Business Solutions’ commercial Ultimate GIG service, call 204-717- 2839 or 1-800-665-3337.