Westman Communications Group (WCG) announced the four lucky winners of the WCG Local Loot Loyalty Giveaway. This all-new and exciting loyalty program gives back and shows appreciation to WCG’s loyal members with a cooperative flair, as all the prizes are local and directly sourced from their communities in Manitoba. The Grand Prize winner is Jeff Gervin from Boissevain, a WCG member of thirteen years. He and his family will enjoy a luxury staycation package at Bears Den in Wasagaming, Manitoba, for seven days valued at $3,500. The second prize goes to Richard Dejardins Jr., a loyal WCG member of 18 years from Carberry. He won $2,000 cash and an opportunity to donate another $2,000 to a charity of their choice. The third prize winner, who will enjoy a private in-home dining experience cooked by local chefs, is Melody Judson from Brandon. She has been a WCG member for more than 18 years. Jennifer Seib from Russell, a WCG member for two years, wins the fourth and final prize of a $1,000 Co-op gift card. “We are thrilled for all the winners of this year’s WCG Local Loot Giveaway,” said Brandi Crowe, Westman Communications Group Marketing Manager. “It means a lot that our members continue to choose us as their communication service provider. It is important to us that we show our appreciation to them and our communities.”

Two years in the making, Fusion Credit Union unveils Restworks EnergyPod® at the John E. Robbins Library at Brandon University. John E. Robbins Library at Brandon University was the site for the unveiling on Friday, with Fusion CEO Darwin Johns, as well as BUSU Executive Director Ashley Taron on hand to speak to the partnership. "Brandon University's prominence in the City of Brandon, as well as their expansive and diverse student body, made them a perfect community partner for the EneryPod®”, says Johns, "We hope the gift of rest and rejuvenation will support the success of students and employees, and enhance the campus experience," continues Johns. The proven benefits of the EnergyPod® are endless, including enhanced memory processing, and improved alertness and reduced stress. At Fusion Credit Union, our mission is to help our members live their best lives, and to support members through financial guidance, community investment and member-focused innovation. The idea of the EnergyPod® was first implemented at Fusion as a result of an internal Innovation Den program, whereby employees were invited to pitch their innovative ideas. The winning idea was Wellness Spaces at all 18 branches, as well as the four subsidiary NorthStar Insurance & Real Estate agencies. "In the two years since implementation at our branches and agencies, these Wellness Spaces have brought our employees benefits such as increased productivity, stress reduction and an overall increase in workplace satisfaction," notes Darwin Johns, Fusion's Chief Executive Officer. What is an EnergyPod®? The EnergyPod® is a zero-gravity positioned chair with a programmed sleep timer. It also features specially composed sleep music to eliminate distractions and a gentle wake sequence to minimize grogginess. "We had a great turnout of Fusion representatives, and BU students and staff at the unveiling," says Leanne DeVliegere, Chief Operations Officer at Fusion Credit Union.  "We are excited with the enthusiastic response from the Brandon University community, and we know the pod has been well received! We are pleased to provide the benefits of the EnergyPod® to the team at Brandon University in the same way that we have for our employees," says DeVliegere. Read more about the EnergyPod® and what Fusion Credit Union is doing to help their members live their best lives at www.fusioncu.com/en/energypod

One of Brandon's most popular restaurants, Sushi Hut, recently closed for ten days for some minor renovations including new flooring and new paint. The restaurant, located at 2728 Victoria Ave, has been in operation for over ten years offering a wide array of rolls, noodles, tempura, appetizers, and entrees. Online ordering is also available.

Back by popular demand, Tim Hortons has once again teamed up with Special Olympics Canada with the Choose To Include doughnut. All proceeds from the doughnut will go to Special Olympics’ sport programs designed for Canadians with intellectual disabilities. “We’re very happy and proud to be a part of this campaign in Westman which will support all of the incredible athletes in our area,” said Greg Crisanti, owner of Tim Hortons Westman. The doughnuts, which are a chocolate-cake ring with white fondant and coloured sprinkles, will be sold at Tim Hortons locations from February 3rd to 5th. “All of us want to say thank you to everyone who buys a doughnut over the next couple of days,” said Harvey Chambers, a Special Olympics athlete in Brandon who competes in curling, softball and bowling. “Please get out there and buy a doughnut for a good cause, they’re pretty darn good too!” Special Olympics Westman offers programs across the region, including golf, floor hockey, curling, bowling, softball, swimming and more. The program also features Westman Active Start for two- to six-year-old children and Fundamentals for seven- to 12-year-old children. The doughnuts, which are a chocolate-cake ring with white fondant and coloured sprinkles, will be sold at Tim Hortons locations from February 3rd to 5th.

The MonGO’s Fresh, Fast Stir Fry restaurant in Brandon (1350 18th Street) is now offering a build-your-own stir-fry bar in their establishment. The restaurant recently closed for renovations for three days to accommodate the change. The concept allows for patrons to fill their own bowl with the ingredients (proteins, noodle's, vegetables, sauces, etc) of their choice to then be cooked and brought to your table. MonGO’s Fresh, Fast Stir Fry first opened its doors in Brandon on Wednesday, January 19, 2022.