Tim Hortons Westman continues to giveback in the communities they serve. For most people one of the highlights of the holiday season is often spending quality time with family and friends. Your local Tim Hortons (18th St) have created a unique way to help spread the holiday joy to those who, for one reason or another, are unable to spend time in person with their loved ones. They have recently installed a "Call Home for Christmas On Us" free phone booth into the location where they are encouraging people to stop in and call friends/family anywhere in the world. Franchise owner Rhonda Pardy tells bdnmb.ca that so far quite a few people have stopped by to place a call. Last evening the establishment was visited by a homeless person who was able to communicate with family for the first time in over three years. The concept for the phone booth came from fellow franchisee Greg Crisanti and this is the first year they have offered the service. Tim Hortons Westman also supports a number of organizations throughout the year including the Timbits hockey and soccer programs, Tim Hortons Children’s Foundation camps, Helping Hands Soup Kitchen, United Way, Brandon Christmas Cheer, and more.

Red Swan Pizza officially opened for business yesterday in Brandon. Brandon's newest entry into the pizza market is located at Unit D-1122-18th Street. Red Swan Pizza is a Canadian owned pizza restaurant with locations in Saskatchewan, Alberta & Ontario. In addition to traditional and gourmet pizza the menu also includes extras like nachos, oven roasted chicken wings, chicken fingers, potato wedges, bread sticks, and salads. Franchisee Meghan Patel relocated from Calgary to open the Brandon location as he appreciated the company's approach to quality ingredients, customer service, and value. Extended hours of operation (Sunday to Thursday 11am-midnight, Friday-Saturday 11am-2am) will be coming soon. Currently they are open from 2pm-10pm daily. Red Swan Pizza can be reached at 204-717-5555 if you would like to place an order for pick-up or delivery. To view the company's website, or for additional menu options, please click here.

Fired Pizzaria is now permanently closed. Shawarma Queen will be opening a second location in Brandon at the address (#4-2430 Victoria Ave). Kyle Koksal tells bdnmb.ca that he hopes to have the Shawarma Queen up and running in the next 2.5 months as the location undergoes some renovations and waits for the installation of a new ventilation system. The plan calls for the seating capacity to be increased to 30. Kyle said they will offer the same full menu at the 2nd location including the ever popular lunch and supper buffet.

Brandon’s cannabis dispensary market is about to increase by one as Garden Variety is targeting opening their doors just before the holiday. The 3471-square-foot store will be located at 1350-18th Street. The floor space will leave plenty of room for displays where customers will be free to browse at their leisure. Friendly, knowledgeable staff will be on-hand to answer questions and educate shoppers on the products they offer. You will also be able to signup for the store's loyalty program to receive rewards, exclusive updates, and invites to in-store events. "Garden Variety is an adult-use cannabis retailer with locations in Winnipeg and Brandon (opening soon) offering top quality flowers, oils, capsules, and pre-rolls. Building on ten years of regulated cannabis experience in Colorado, Garden Variety is a partnership of the Fisher River Cree Nation, Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, Avana Canada Inc., MediPharm Labs, and Native Roots Cannabis Co." For more information, visit www.gardenvariety.com.

DAUPHIN – Fusion Credit Union has been named a Top Manitoba Employer and Ron Hedley, Chief Executive Officer, couldn't be more proud. “We have an outstanding, talented group of employees,” says Hedley. “We’ve really gelled and come together as a team, and I think that’s reflected in the way we care for our members.” It was less than two years ago that Catalyst and Vanguard Credit Unions merged to create Fusion, a full-service financial institution, with 175 employees serving over 30,000 members through 18 branches across the region. That amalgamation gave the organization the rare opportunity to redefine who they are and set the culture that staff and members wanted. "It worked," added Hedley. "We made a conscious choice at the Board and leadership level, but it was the staff who built out the organization they wanted to be a part of." “Yes, the benefits we offer are excellent, but we also cultivate a work environment that aligns extremely well with the values we share with our members and communities, and the many groups and projects we support.” Fusion employees receive competitive salaries and company benefits, including training allowances, education funding and other professional development opportunities. The credit union considers itself an “idea place” and encourages staff to develop creative ideas about how the organization can strengthen its commitment to innovation and service excellence. “We’re constantly doing innovative things and people across the organization are always encouraged to participate,” says Hedley. “We value everyone’s feedback and input, and listen to every voice. Great ideas have come from every level of the organization.” Owned by its members, governed by a board of directors, and staffed by area residents, Fusion continues to be one of the most active supporters of community organizations and events in the region. The credit union is a major sponsor of Credit Union Place and Countryfest in Dauphin, as well as the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair in Brandon. This year, Fusion launched the Full Circle Fund, a special fund to support ambitious projects that enhance the quality of life for people of all ages in the communities served by Fusion. Recent community projects funded include the Gilbert Plains Community Hall, Whitmore School Playground in Dauphin, Foxwarren Arena, Binscarth Museum and the Oak Lake Community Hall. Hedley says Fusion continues to succeed by staying true to its vision, mission and values and by ensuring that the best interests of its members are always an organizational priority. The organization recognizes the value of outstanding member service delivered by a team of staff members who share Fusion’s values and take pride in their work and their communities. “Our members deserve the very best, and so do we, as co-workers and team players,” says Hedley. “Great people drive great results.” For more information about career opportunities with Fusion Credit Union, visit fusioncu.com.