Photo: Boissevain Arts Council – Left to Right: Bruce Luebke (Community Engagement Coordinator, Sunrise Credit Union) and Bradley Peters (Treasurer, Boissevain-Morton Arts Council) Sunrise Credit Union is pleased to announce that $29,550 has been awarded through the fall edition of our Building Community Grant program. Supporting and strengthening the communities we serve remains one of our top priorities. Launched in 2023, the Building Community Grants Program has invested $208,098.68 in 21 deserving projects and initiatives. With each intake, we are able to broaden our reach and support even more of the communities we serve. There are two intakes a year, the spring and fall that welcome applications fo ffunding for three categories: Facilities Construction or Improvement Capital Grant, Individual and Community Wellbeing, and Arts, Culture and Sport. This fall’s intake drew more than 70 applications, making the selection process both exciting and challenging. Using the criteria outlined in the program guidelines, our team carefully reviewed each submission and selected five organizations to receive funding to help move their projects forward. With funding now awarded, the chosen projects can begin right away - some as early as this fall. “Since we started this program in 2023, we have seen a steady increase in applications for each intake. It has been truly remarkable to see so many organizations working to strengthen their communities,” said Tim Klassen, President and CEO of Sunrise Credit Union. “While all applicants demonstrated exceptional commitment and community focus, we are pleased to announce the five organizations selected for this intake. These contributions reflect our ongoing commitment to fostering growth in the communitieswhere we live and work, while also supporting the local economies that sustain them.” The Grandview Fire Department will receive $15,000 to go towards replacing their aging Quick Response Unit through the Facilities Construction or Improvement Capital Grant category. The Grandview Fire Department responds to calls in their municipality working with Prairie Mountain Health, RCMP, STARS Air Ambulance and Mutual Aid calls through the Parkland area. The current Quick Response Unit -dispatched first and is equipped with essential tools such as a water tank, foam, and a portable tank - canno longer meet the community’s needs due to its age and mechanical issues. Funding for a new unit will help ensure reliable service and maintain fast, effective emergency response times. The Shilo Military Family Resource Centre, located on Canadian Forces Base Shilo, will receive $2,100 as part of the Individual and Community Wellbeing category to fund the development and launch of Rise Up Kids, an initiative designed to enhance resilience, emotional intelligence, and intergenerational connections between youth and older adults. By fostering meaningful engagement with older adults and veterans, the program aims to reduce isolation and encourage mentorship. Classroom kit activities will focus on themes such as adaptability, healthy relationships, and emotional regulation - important skillsfor all students. Once developed, this program will be shared with other youth organizations and classrooms to broaden its reach and impact. The Waskada & Area Recreation Centre is a vital community hub hosting Hockey Manitoba events, figure skating, school events, and numerous other community events. The centre will receive $1,450 to purchase and install a second gas deep fryer, helping to reduce wait times during busy events that are held there throughout the year. This upgrade allows the Centre to be able to expand their food service, which is currently the only food establishment in town, allowing more people to enjoy a meal with their community. The Boissevain-Morton Arts Council will be receiving $6,000 through the Facilities Construction or Improvement Capital Grant category. The council, which was founded in 1990, is based out of the Arts Hall in Boissevain where they offer year-round various arts and musical programming. Their mission is to make the arts accessible to everyone by encouraging education, promoting public art, and fostering local artists. They purchased their heritage building (built in 1910) in 2021 and have since been taking on upgrades and repairs. This funding will support the much-needed replacement of the Arts Hall’s windows and doors, allowing work to begin promptly at a critical time, as falling temperatures make these upgrades essential for improving energy efficiency, long-term sustainability, and preserving the building’s historic character. The Elgin Community Rink has been granted $5,000 to purchase new rubber skate safe flooring for their rink lobby and dressing rooms. The previous flooring had to be removed due to age and disrepair. The Elgin Community Rink serves as a gathering place for local and surrounding communities, offering skating, hockey, and curling throughout the winter months. Applications for the next Building Community Grants intake will open in April 2026. Organizations or groups that have previously applied but were not selected remain eligible to apply again. We look forward to collaborating with more organizations on projects and initiatives of all sizes, to continue improving the communities we serve and to invest directly back into them – creating a brighter future together.

Photo: Wheat City Wheatless Goods Facebook Brandon’s bakery scene is about to get a unique new addition with the upcoming launch of Wheat City Wheatless Goods, a fully gluten-free bakery opening December 6, 2025. The business aims to fill a long-standing gap in the community by offering safe, high-quality baked goods made entirely without gluten. The menu will feature a selection of cookies, cupcakes, muffins, macarons, and other baked goods, all crafted with the same care and creativity found in traditional bakeries. As the December 6 opening approaches, anticipation is building. Residents looking for gluten-free treats — or simply eager to support a new local business — will soon have a fresh and flavorful option right here in Brandon. Location: 1203 Princess Ave. Facebook page.

Brandon’s downtown core is getting a taste of something new. Tastees Brunch & Catering, a locally owned restaurant focused on comfort-food brunch and customized catering will be opening heir doors to the public on Saturday, November 22, 2025. Located at 612 Rosser Avenue, Tastees aims to offer a modern yet cozy atmosphere where customers can enjoy elevated brunch favorites six days a week. Opening hours are 8AM to 2PM from Tuesday to Sunday.

Sunrise Credit Union has fueled local success by awarding $15,000 in fuel gift cards through its Fuel Your Future contest. Three Sunrise members each received $5,000 in fuel from their local gas stations, helping drive their farming and agricultural operations forward. From August 1st to October 4th, individuals who applied for new agricultural loans or mortgages had the opportunity to participate in the Fuel Your Future contest. Each approved qualifying ag loan or mortgage during this period was automatically entered into a draw for one of three $5,000 fuel gift cards. Sunrise received an overwhelming response, with a large pool of qualifying entries for the contest. Congratulations to our three lucky winners - David Swift (Minnedosa Branch), Duncan Bell (Melita Branch), and Nevin and Laura Mains, (Boissevain Branch). The Fuel Your Future contest not only celebrated three deserving winners but also gave Sunrise Credit Union the opportunity to pay it forward - helping strengthen local economies and support the communities that they serve.

A popular Brandon restaurant is turning heads — and filling stomachs — with its latest creation, a towering, meat-loaded pizza aptly named “The Beast.” The new menu item at Kongo's, features a hearty combination of double pepperoni, double salami, double ham, loads of cheese, and an overflowing layer of crispy bacon. The result is a bold, flavor-packed pizza designed for those who love their pies piled high. Owner Darcy Willey said the inspiration came from one of his longtime favorites: a legendary pizza once served at the former Vern’s Pizza in Brandon. Wanting to bring that nostalgic experience back to the community — but with his own twist — Willey crafted The Beast to deliver the same unforgettable punch that Vern’s fans still talk about. While The Beast is already generating buzz, it’s far from the only thing drawing customers through the doors. The restaurant also offers a wide selection of appetizers, pastas, and subs, making it a go-to spot for groups and families looking for variety. View menu here. Located inside NeXgen (1608 Park Ave) the restaurant continues to build a reputation for generous portions, friendly service, and a willingness to experiment with bold new menu ideas. zFor hours of operation, please click here. With The Beast now officially on the menu, Brandon pizza lovers have a new challenge — and a delicious one at that.