As of March 10th, 2022 Westman has a new option when they head to the pumps. The Gambler First Nations Gas and Convenience Bar is now open on 18th Street. The Western Nations Gas Bar in Brandon is a project years in the making with hopes of benefitting both resident and non-resident Members of Gambler First Nation, while also improving financial diversity. Gambler First Nation Chief David Ledoux shared, “I am excited that Gambler First Nation is uniting with the Business world! ReconciliACTION and networking will benefit not only our members and project partners, but the public at large as well.”. Heritage Co-op will supply and support day-to-day operations of the facility on behalf of Gambler First Nation. This strategic partnership is a first of its kind for both Gambler First Nation and Heritage Co-op. This collaboration is a unique community building opportunity which benefits the economic wellness and long-term sustainability of both partners. The Western Nations Gas Bar is welcoming everyone to the pumps for opening day - Chief LeDoux will purchase coffee for the first hundred guests. Fuel up on March 10th for a chance to win four tickets to the March 19th Wheat Kings Game. Those that gas up the first week will also be able to enter to win a month of free car washes from Co-op. (submitted)

Leatherwood Trading Post is a small workshop in Brandon, MB dedicated to producing long-lasting items with traditional materials & a modern twist. All items are handmade by a single craftsman, Morgan James, who told bdnmb.ca that starting the business came from a perfect storm really. Christmas was coming up and he wanted to make some special gifts for family members rather than just buy them something. According to James, he got the bright idea to make a wallet by hand so he ordered some basic starter tools and a DIY wallet kit and decided to just go for it. Watching Youtube videos and learning about leatherworking started to eat up a ton of his time, he was genuinely interested in the craft and intrigued by all of the things one can do & make. Around this same time some emergency repairs came up on his house and James decided to do some leatherworking as a bit of a side hustle. He started with small keychains as an easy Christmas gift for people to give and within a very short time he knew that it had the potential to be so much more. Within 3 months of ordering tools he started planning to be a leatherworker full time, and realized that goal in June of 2021. Keychains of various styles & designs make up a big portion of his sales catalog, as well as custom hats with leather patches. Other great products of note are the pet ID/Dog tags, and custom branded promotional items. The nature of laser engraving when combined with leather provides unlimited possibilities for branding and customizing products that will last a long time and be incredibly unique. James works with leather as his primary medium but new materials are becoming available all the time. As of now, he has doing branding/engraving on slatestone, silicone, wood, glass, cork, and powder coated metal but there will definitely be more options in the future.  Turnaround tome for orders are typically under 5 days, custom ordered apparel (hats, toques, etc) can be shipped in ~8 business days. Anyone interested in purchasing items, or seeing what the company can offer, can visit the webstore at leatherwood.ca.  Leatherwood Trading Post can also be found on etsy, Facebook, and Instagram.

Ukraine needs our support. Russia’s military operation has triggered an international outcry, and many countries around the world are responding in support of the people of Ukraine. Over one million Canadians identify as Ukrainian, including close to 200,000 Manitobans, and these events directly impact many more. Sunrise Credit Union is responding to the rapidly escalating crisis in Ukraine with a donation of $50,000 to the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal Fund, established by the Canada-Ukraine Foundation (CUF) and the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC). “Sunrise has a legacy of supporting communities in times of need as well as stepping in to help those suffering globally during times of crisis. We stand in support of the people of Ukraine and the large and vibrant Ukrainian community in Manitoba. The war in Ukraine has had a profound impact on all of us. Many of our valued employees and members are from this vibrant community.” said Sunrise President and CEO Tim Klassen, “We are contributing towards providing financial assistance, relief, and recovery, and hope for a swift end to this conflict. We are committed to uplifting their lives and the lives of all those who have been affected.” Sunrise Credit Union is accepting donations on behalf of the Canada-Ukraine Foundation to support millions of Ukrainian families displaced from their homes. The public is welcomed visit any Sunrise Credit Union branch to make a donation.  Donations to the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal can also be made online at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/70605. Any financial assistance for medical care, shelter, food, and relief will be welcome.  

Sunrise Credit Union is committing $50,000 to the Onanole & District Recreation Centre Renewal: The Capital Campaign. The campaign supports projects related to the ongoing needs of the physical building and grounds and nourishes the social and recreational needs of those who live, work, play, grow and invest in the community. Renewal: The Capital Campaign has a goal of raising $1 million. Known to many as the gateway to Riding Mountain National Park, Onanole boasts a diverse mixed farming community with a robust commercial sector. The town of Onanole and the surrounding community have seen significant growth in recent years due, in most part, to a strong tourism market. “The Onanole region has a strong reputation for outdoor living and recreation. Our rec centre is a fabulous place that brings the community together and is the heart of the community. We are doing this so we can maintain and enhance the facility for generations to come,” said Onanole & District Recreation Centre board member Jennifer Workman, “Over the last two years, our community has come together to raise money for upgrades to the entire building. This donation will go a long way to continuing that work.” The arena roof, siding and insulation, ball diamond fencing and dugouts, and hall flooring are complete. There remain many projects that are still in progress, including: Landscaping & Meeting Area Covered South Deck Ball Diamond & Field Commercial Air Conditioner Fitness Centre Change Room & Equipment Upgrade Stage Remodel & Upgrade Kitchen & Bar Upgrade Viewing Area Renovation Main Entrance Vestibule New Facility Signage “We’re impressed with the community effort that has gone into this project so far, and it was important for us to get involved and support this initiative,” said Sunrise Credit Union President & CEO Tim Klassen, “Rural communities are important to us because they make up the backbone of who we are. So it’s important to us that our rural communities remain strong and vibrant.” Renewal: The Capital Campaign will have supported 15+ projects and upgrades at the Onanole & District Recreation Centre building and grounds once complete.

It has been a long & snowy winter but that’s not stopping seasonal ice cream stands from starting to open their doors for business. Dairy Queen located at 904-18th Street opened for the season Tuesday (March 1, 2022). They have been serving their world famous soft serve ice cream in Brandon since 1954. Stop by for a cool, delicious ice cream cone, sundae, Blizzard, banana split or ice cream cake. This Dairy Queen location operates on a seasonal schedule. Brandon’s first Dairy Queen Grill & Chill (915-18th Street North) opened on February. 14, 2019. In addition to ice cream products, the Grill & Chill concept includes menu items like burgers, fries, salads, chicken and other foods. Twisters Ice Cream Shoppe also opened for the season yesterday. The menu includes  24 hard ice cream flavours. 11 flavours of soft ice cream, ice cream cakes & many more yummy treats! Brandon's Velvet Dip location is scheduled to open on Friday, March the 4th at noon. Since 1965 the iconic Victoria Avenue business has been serving a variety of hard & soft ice cream, milkshakes, fruit smoothies, parfaits, cakes and more.