The Tim Hortons® Smile Cookie campaign is back from April 27 to May 3, 2026, with 100% of proceeds from every Smile Cookie sold in Brandon supporting the Brandon Area Community Foundation and Helping Hands Brandon Now in its 30th year, the Smile Cookie campaign continues to make a meaningful impact in communities across Canada. Since its launch in 1996, the campaign has raised millions of dollars for local charities, hospitals, and community programs, with funds staying in the communities where they are raised. During Smile Cookie Week, Tim Hortons restaurant owners proudly donate the full proceeds from each freshly baked chocolate chunk Smile Cookie to local organizations, helping support important programs and services close to home. “Our annual Smile Cookie campaign is an opportunity for our team, our guests, and our community to come together and support incredible local organizations,” said Rhonda Pardy, Tim Hortons Westman & Area. “With the continued support of our community and local partners, we are excited to make a meaningful impact once again this year.” Pre-order Smile Cookies online or in-store to support the campaign. Pre-orders are now available at: https://timhortonswestman.ca/brandon-smile-cookie In addition to funds raised through the Smile Cookie campaign, several local partners will be supporting this year’s initiative as Partner of the Day, helping amplify awareness and drive community impact throughout the week: Monday, April 27: Assiniboine Credit Union & Sunrise Credit Union ● Tuesday, April 28: Christie’s Office Plus ● Wednesday, April 29: Murray Auto Group ● Thursday, April 30: Cardinal Capital Management ● Friday, May 1: J&G Group ● Saturday, May 2: Canadian Tire ● Sunday, May 3: Guild Insurance ● Community Partner: Pattison Media Smile Cookie Campaign Facts ● 100% of proceeds from Smile Cookies support local charities and community groups ● The Smile Cookie campaign began in 1996 in Hamilton, Ontario ● Tim Hortons restaurant owners support hundreds of charities across Canada each year ● Funds raised locally stay within the community

The Keystone Centre and Keystone Centre Foundation are pleased to announce the sponsors for the first ever Keystone Centre Foundation benefit dinner: Legacy & Lights. “On behalf of the Keystone Centre, I want to extend our sincere appreciation to the sponsors of Legacy & Lights,” said Keystone Centre CEO and General Manager Connie Lawrence. “Their support strengthens our ability to serve this community, and ensures that the Keystone Centre remains a place where people can gather, celebrate, and create lasting memories.” The Keystone Centre announced Wednesday that the first dinner benefitting the Keystone Centre’s newly created Foundation will be presented by Assiniboine Credit Union, and Rocky Mountain Equipment. Assiniboine Credit Union has been a long-time sponsorship partner of the Keystone Centre, most notably holding the exclusive naming rights to the facility’s main arena, Assiniboine Credit Union Place, and the 100,000 square foot agricultural center, Assiniboine Credit Union Ag Centre. "As a committed partner of the Keystone Centre, Assiniboine Credit Union recognizes the importance of its ongoing success,” said ACU’s President & CEO, Kevin Sitka. “By supporting the Keystone Foundation as it champions the sustainability and continual enhancement of the facility — and keeping it accessible and welcoming to everyone — we help ensure that events like Brandon Wheat Kings games, concerts, conferences and agricultural shows not only thrive but also deliver substantial benefits to the entire region." Rocky Mountain Equipment has joined Legacy & Lights as a presenting sponsor, adding to the support behind the initiative and reinforcing the partnership driving its delivery. “Thanks to the Keystone Centre and the foundation for allowing us to be part of a wonderful evening,” said Dale Coulter, Regional Sales Manager for Rocky Mountain Equipment. “Rocky Mountain Equipment is proud to be a part of many great communities across the prairies. We strongly believe in demonstrating accountability and reliability with a genuine commitment to help support the community in every way possible.” The 2026 Legacy & Lights benefit dinner will kick-off with a reception, sponsored by Manitoba Ag Days, with wine sponsored by C&C Rentals, before guests are treated to an incredible dinner, with wine on each table sponsored by Westman Lumber Supply and their partner vendor Kohltech Windows & Entrance Systems. “The outpouring of support from our community for this first-time event has been ttruly inspiring,” said Executive Director Barry Cooper. “The Keystone Centre continues to play a vital role in our region’s economy, and the commitment from our sponsors speaks to the range and impact of the programming we’re proud to deliver.” VIP tables at the event are proudly sponsored by J&G Homes, Manitoba Ag Days, and Shur-Gro Farm Services. The Keystone Centre and Keystone Centre Foundation extend its sincere appreciation to our valued media partners for this event, Pattison Media, and the Brandon Sun, and our printing sponsor Leech Group for their important role in bringing this event to the community. The Keystone Centre would also like to recognize and thank Behlen Industries, Branstone Financial, Canad Inns Brandon, Canadian Tire, Flynn Canada, the Green Spot, Guild Insurance, Home Hardware, J&G Homes, LOOK Music, Manitoba Hydro, Molson Coors, Pinnacle Event Rentals, Sioux Valley Dakota Nation, Stacey Gabriel Photography, Sunrise Credit Union, and Westman Communications Group for their contributions as Friends of the Foundation. Legacy & Lights will be held May 14th, and features special guest speaker Israel Idonije, former NFL defensive lineman and entrepreneur, as well as stand-up comedian Dave Hemstad. Tickets are still available, and can be purchased by

Sunrise Credit Union held its annual general meeting virtually on April 21, 2026, attended by 130 members and staff combined and 10 guests. The meeting marked the release of the Sunrise Credit Union 2025 Annual Report, which contained the audited financial statements. The statements reflect a Net Income of $13.1 million, Loan Growth of 11.3%, Deposit Growth of 6.8%, and Total Equity of 9.07%. Sunrise President and CEO Tim Klassen noted that 2025 brought both challenges and opportunities. “I am proud to share that Sunrise Credit Union remains strong, resilient, and positioned for sustainable growth.” Klassen reviewed several key achievements from 2025, including Sunrise Credit Union’s strong commitment to supporting community initiatives through both financial contributions and staff volunteerism. Over the past year, Sunrise invested more than $615,000 into local communities through its Building Communities Grant Program, as well as donations, sponsorships, and scholarships. In addition, Sunrise staff contributed more than 8,600 volunteer hours in our communities. Other highlights of 2025 included upgrading the Sunrise mobile app with improved security and user experience, changed the core baking platform to enable quicker enhancement implementation and overall vendor relationship, and made online applications for small business loans faster. “These improvements reflect our commitment to meeting members’ evolving expectations while maintaining the personal service we’re known for,” Klassen commented and added, “We will continue to listen to our members, adapt to changing needs, and build a credit union that future generations can rely on.” Fred Greig, Chair of the Sunrise Credit Union Board of Directors, reflected on the organization’s strong performance over the past year. “Looking back, it is truly remarkable what Sunrise has accomplished both financially and socially in a very turbulent global environment. I believe this speaks to the hard work and vision of our staff and directors over the years, which requires our acknowledgement and appreciation.” said Greig. Chair of the Nominating Committee, Agnes Kokke gave her report, while welcoming three new directors, Kendra Custance, Darcy Campion and Michael Langdon, along with re elected Director Carol Hodgson. Kokke expressed her profound gratitude on behalf of Sunrise to retiring directors, Daryll Logeot, Janice McClelland, and Fred Greig.

Fusion Credit Union is thanking members in a big way. At the Annual General Meeting held last  evening via webcast conference, Fusion announced a $1.86 million return to members in the form of patronage  allocations and cash pay-outs to select members. The $1.86 million in total returns for 2026, based on 2025 results, includes a patronage allocation of $775,000, plus an estimated $1 million in cash payouts.  “Our members are more than customers - they’re owners - and the driving force behind everything we do,” states  Darwin Johns, Chief Executive Officer at Fusion Credit Union. “The $1.86 million is one of the ways we thank our  members for their continued loyalty to us.”  A patronage allocation is a value returned to a member of Fusion Credit Union based on their relationship with the  credit union. The patronage amount is a portion of interest paid and earned during the past year and varies from  member to member. All patronage allocations are retained in a Surplus Share Account and select member groups  receive cash payouts.  As a member-owned financial institution, Fusion’s success is directly tied to the strength of its members and communities. Patronage allocations and cash payouts ensure that investment is shared locally, supporting individuals, families, farms and businesses. “When our members choose Fusion, they’re choosing to invest in their  communities,” says Johns. “And when Fusion succeeds, the success stays right here – supporting local growth,  opportunity and connection.”  This year, an estimated $749,000 will be paid out in cash to members 65 years of age and older and those under age  19, as well as members who hold over $15,000 in surplus shares. In addition, a cash distribution of over $73,000 is  being returned to non-profit and charitable organizations. All eligible members will receive their pay-outs in May,  while patronage allocations will appear on member statements in April. Over the past eight years, Fusion Credit  Union has rewarded members with over $12.8 million in patronage allocations and cash pay-outs.  “We’re proud to recognize the role our members play in the continued growth of our organization and  communities,” says Johns. “When members choose Fusion as their financial institution, they’re choosing to keep  their money working right here at home. It’s only fitting that we share that success back with them.”

A familiar storefront in Brandon is beginning a new chapter today as Wheat City Meats officially opens to the public. The business, located at 730 18th Street, replaces the former Tendercuts Meat & Deli, a long-standing local butcher shop that had built a loyal following in the community. Now under new ownership, the shop has been reimagined with a fresh name, new offerings, and a renewed focus on quality and service. While the name has changed, many familiar favourites remain. Customers can still expect popular items such as house-made bacon, sausages, and marinated meats. However, the majority of the product lineup will feature new recipes and updated preparation techniques, reflecting the owners’ culinary backgrounds. In addition to traditional cuts, Wheat City Meats is introducing a variety of new offerings, including gourmet ready-to-cook meals, specialty sausages, and premium beef sourced from Canadian suppliers. The opening marks a significant moment for local shoppers who have been anticipating the return of a neighbourhood butcher. The previous business had temporarily closed, leaving many residents wondering what would come next. The transition to Wheat City Meats aims to honour that legacy while bringing a fresh vision to Brandon’s food scene. As doors open today, Wheat City Meats is positioning itself as both a continuation of a trusted local tradition and a step forward for Brandon’s growing culinary landscape.