Westman Communications Group (WCG), a member-owned cooperative providing high-quality telecommunication services to communities throughout Manitoba, has recently upgraded the community of Elkhorn with XSTREAM GIG Internet services. The plan offers a download speed of up to 950 Mbps and an upload speed of up to 50 Mbps. XSTREAM GIG delivers the fast fibre-based Internet speed that members need for the modern era of communication. “We have worked incredibly hard to ensure that our services meet and exceed member expectations,” said E.J. Keys, President and CEO of WCG. “Expanding Gigabit speeds is an opportunity for us to continue to innovate and improve, as well as to provide local support to rural communities.” Elkhorn is the most recent community to be upgraded to WCG’s GIG services. Still, numerous others have recently been connected for the XSTREAM GIG plan. WCG continues to work community-to-community to provide premium telecommunications services that connect Manitobans to the global economy. “As a communications-focused cooperative, innovation is a key pillar of WCG,” said Brandi Crowe, Marketing Manager of WCG. “We have been actively upgrading our networks across Manitoba, allowing us to bring Gig speeds to hybrid-fibre communities. We will continue our work to get more of our communities up to speed throughout 2024 for residences and businesses.” For more information about WCG and the services it provides or to learn more about its internet offers in Elkhorn and other Manitoba communities, contact WCG Customer Service at 204-725-4300 or 1-800-665-3337, follow WCG on social media, or visit http://westmancom.com. For details about Westman Business Solutions’ commercial Ultimate GIG service, call 204-717- 2839 or 1-800-665-3337.

The Victoria Inn (Imperial Ballroom) played host this weekend (July 13 & 14) to the Western Manitoba Tattoo Expo, an event that brought together tattoo enthusiasts, artists, and curious visitors from across the region. The expo attracted a wide range of talented tattoo artists, who came to Brandon to display their unique styles and techniques. The  2-day event offered attendees the opportunity to get inked by some of the best in the business. From traditional and neo-traditional designs to realistic portraits and abstract creations, the variety of tattoo art on display was vast and impressive. The expo also featured a bustling marketplace where vendors sold a variety of items ranging from soap to  tattoo-related products and from body care products to art.

The Westman Dreams for Kids Golf Tournament, an annual highlight in the Westman community, once again proved to be a day filled with fun, camaraderie, and, most importantly, charity. Held at the scenic Wheat City Golf Course, the tournament brought together golfers of all skill levels for a noble cause: to support children in need. For over two decades, the Westman Dreams for Kids organization has been dedicated to making dreams come true for children facing serious health challenges. The golf tournament is one of their key fundraising events, generating significant funds to support various programs and initiatives. The funds raised from the tournament directly benefit the children served by Westman Dreams for Kids. These funds help to provide medical equipment, support for families traveling for treatments, and fulfilling special wishes for children facing life-threatening conditions. The Westman Dreams for Kids Golf Tournament is more than just a day of golf; it’s a celebration of community and compassion. Each swing of the club and every 50/50 purchase contributes to a greater cause, ensuring that the dreams of many children can come true.

Fusion Credit Union has awarded $18,000 in scholarships this year to high school graduates entering post-secondary programs. Now in its fifth year, the Fusion Scholarship Program was developed to support students in their academic ventures, and to invest in the future of our communities. Since its inception, Fusion has awarded over $100,000 in scholarship dollars to support more than 200 graduates across their 18 communities and beyond. The program is open to any grade 12 student graduating high school in Manitoba heading on to post- secondary education. “At Fusion, we actively support our members to achieve great things, because their success is our success.” says Darwin Johns, CEO. “We see these scholarships as an investment in tomorrow’s leaders and innovators.” The Fusion Scholarship Program is open for applications between April and May each year, and the criteria considers aspects such as community impact, leadership, and achievements in academics, athletics, and/or the arts. “We have such a diverse group of students apply to the program, each with their own strengths,” says Kelly Brook, Chief Financial Officer and a member of the evaluating committee this year. “It’s so inspiring to learn about what these students are doing to better our communities.” This year, 36 applicants from 13 communities were awarded a $500 scholarship at their graduation ceremony. “We wish them all the best going into this new chapter of their lives,” says Johns. “Fusion is here for them every step of the way.”  

Sunrise Credit Union's Building Communities Grant Program 2024 spring intake period ended on May 31. Sunrise Credit Union has selected four worthwhile organizations to receive $50,000 in collective grant funding. With 57 applicants across southwestern Manitoba, Sunrise Credit Union is eager to announce the four organizations selected to receive funding this spring: Leda Lake Park in Erikson, Swan Lake First Nation Pow Wow Committee, Prairie Skills Inc. in Deloraine, and the Oak Lake Care Centre. Sunrise Credit Union has donated $25,000 in grant funding to the Leda Lake Park project. The project addresses the need for more parks and recreational spaces in Erikson, Manitoba. The addition of the park will not only grant residents and visitors to the area the ability to enjoy the outdoors but also promote mental and physical well-being for all. The park will become an asset to the region and stimulate the local economy with increased tourism. The Lookout Structure at Leda Lake Park will be named after Sunrise Credit Union in recognition of their donation to the project. The Prairie Skills Centre, a unique heritage building in Deloraine, is working on a crucial project. To meet fire codes, they are adding an emergency exit from the upper level of the building. This will not only ensure the safety of the people but will also allow the building to function as a community space for various events such as weddings, funerals, concerts, and meetings. Recognizing the importance of such a community space, Sunrise Credit Union has pledged $10,000 toward the construction of the emergency exit. The Oak Lake Care Centre, a much-needed addition to the community, is a newly constructed daycare in Oak Lake, Manitoba. Sunrise Credit Union's donation of $10,000 will go toward purchasing equipment, furniture, and toys required to license the new 84-space daycare. This new facility will help alleviate the shortage of daycare spots in Oak Lake and the surrounding areas, reducing long daycare waitlists. The daycare, set to open later this year, will service the RM of Sifton, Oak Lake, and the surrounding area, providing parents with a reliable childcare option and creating new job opportunities for ECEs and CCAs. The Swan Lake First Nation Pow Wow Committee is fundraising to make their Pow Wow grounds more accessible with a paved accessible parking area and path to the Elders' stand area. Sunrise Credit Union has donated $5,000 to this project. Creating an accessible and safe path at their Pow Wow grounds ensures that Elders and community members with mobility issues can participate in the Pow Wow and celebrate the Ojibway culture. “It is great to see so many organizations working to better our communities,” said Sunrise Credit Union President and CEO Team Klassen, “We are grateful that we can offer the Building Communities Grant Program and play a continued role in community development with our most recent donation totalling $50,000.” The Building Communities Grant Program, with its two intake periods per year, is designed to ensure a fair and structured process for all applicants. With community betterment at the forefront of the project, the new grant program ensures that every project, regardless of its scale, is given the same opportunity and platform to request funding. Sunrise Credit Union appreciates the opportunity to support its local communities. They extend their heartfelt thanks to all the organizations that applied for the 2024 spring intake of the Building Communities Grant Program. Your dedication to community improvement is truly inspiring. Sunrise Credit Union looks forward to your continued participation in the Building Communities Grant Program, which will launch again this fall!