Despite the challenges of 2020 the Brandon Area Community Foundation granted a record breaking $1,052,065 throughout the year. The foundation supports all aspects of life in Brandon and southwestern Manitoba making grants to a wide variety of worthy causes. Laura Kempthorne, Executive Director BACF said “The annual grants provided by our funds and donors, have hopefully given our local charities room to breathe a little easier during this challenging time.  2020 was also the foundation’s 55th anniversary and although the year didn’t go as planned, BACF was able to provide more than $1 million in grants. This is a huge milestone for the foundation.” The Brandon Area Community Foundation has given support to a number of projects across Southwestern Manitoba. These grants covered areas of arts & culture, environment, education, health & wellness and community activities throughout the Westman region. "The BACF has always been there to help build and strengthen communities.  This year they helped the YMCA open Brandon's newest childcare center, Y Maryland Park.  The funding provided children's furnishings, cribs and cots to enable 114 children to be able to experience quality programming in a supportive and safe environment. Together BACF and the YMCA are making Brandon a better place for families. Thank you BACF!" said Lon Cullen, CEO YMCA of Brandon. In addition to the generous donations received, BACF took part in the provincial MB Build 150 and the Government of Canada’s Emergency Community Support Fund granting initiatives that provided an extra $259,000 to community projects in our area. Brian Martineau with Friends of Lake Minnedosa said “The grant through the Brandon Area Community Foundation will allow us to have a local manufacturer build a trailer to haul the weed harvester to and from the lake. The $89,000 harvester is on order and is expected to be in use on the lake this summer.” BACF was also very pleased to be able to build relationships with other funders and strengthen our partnerships with other community organizations. The grants provided by BACF are possible thanks to generous gifts from local donors from all walks of life. Community foundations pool and endow (permanently invest) all gifts and the income earned supports a variety of projects within the foundation’s catchment area. The original contributions are never spent, ensuring a lasting legacy for donors and a permanent source of support for the community.For a full listing of all grants distributed, please visit our website at bacf.ca.

Flynn Canada Ltd. has banded together to support the Keystone Centre through annual naming rights sponsorship of Flynn Arena. A contract between the two parties has been signed for a 3 year agreement, with an option to renew. “We wanted to be part of something that’s important in the community,” said Tyler Tomlinson, Manitoba provincial manager, Flynn Canada Ltd. “Hockey is a big part of rural life, as we well know. The Keystone is the prevalent rink in South West Manitoba and has been a big part of our business – we’re always proud to support the communityand surrounding area that support us. ” With the agreement finalized, Flynn Canada Ltd. has also become the preferred roofing supplier for the nearly 50 year old Keystone Centre. “The Keystone Centre is always pleased to be working with partners, lik e Flynn Canada Ltd., that support the local community, especially at a time when many companies are reducing their advertising and community support due to the financial impact related to COVID.” said Jeff Schumacher, Keystone Centre CEO & general manager. “We are also very excited about the work that they will be doing to repair our many yards of leaking roof, a project that has been at the top of our capital list for many years. This latest project will cover the worst areas of our hallways in the middle of the Keystone Centre, some of the busiest areas of the venue.” The partnership adds to a growing list of naming rights sponsorship for rooms/arenas within the Keystone Centre facility, including Westoba Place & the Westoba Credit Union Agricultural Centre of Excellence, Enns Brothers Arena, MNP Hall, and the Westman Communications Group Viewing Lounge. “This is an exciting partnership for the Keystone Centre. Flynn Canada Ltd. is a natural fit,” said Krista Kowaluk, director of partnerships. “It’s been a pleasure working on this mutually beneficial deal with Flynn, who couldn’t deny the value of this partnership, even during a pandemic. Their support is but one way we’re striving to sustain the facility during this challenging time.” (Keystone Centre Release)

Get online and selling quickly with a Shopify™ storefront. The retail landscape has changed. We will help you adapt. We will get your small business online and help you navigate the world of e-commerce with expert advice and guidance. Community Futures Westman in partnership with Leech Printing have the solution. Community Futures Westman is giving the opportunity for businesses to apply to receive free Ecommerce package from Leech Printing. Community Futures Westman E-Commerce Support Program is open to businesses who complete the application and submit for review. Click on the link below to get more information and the application. Community Futures Westman E-Commerce Support Program | Community Futures Manitoba (cfmanitoba.ca) Community Futures Westman recognizes the struggle COVID – 19 pandemic has put on our communities and economies. A vital part of our communities is the non-profit organizations who work hard every day delivering valuable services and programs to the communities they serve. The impact has been felt deeply by non-profits during these challenging times. With many funding sources not available to non-profits, Community Futures Westman is now offering a funding opportunity to this group. The COVID Assistance Program (CAP) through Community Futures Westman will be redirecting a limited amount of financial support to provide immediate support to our non-profits or social enterprises most deeplyimpacted. Grants of up to $1,000.00 will be made available to non-profit organizations to assist with efforts needed to meet the COVID-19 challenge.https://cfmanitoba.ca/westman-news/community-futures-westman launches-covid-assistance- program-cap-for-non-profits (submitted)

Darren Darvill and Ryan Jacobson have teamed up at a new location (1518 1st Street North) to house Resurrection Auto Detailing - Tint & Protection and add a second location for Affordable Storage.Resurrection, owned by Darvill, has been in Brandon since 2018. The company offers a number of services for your vehicle including auto, boat & motorcycle detailing and paint correction with Ceramic Pro Certified Installers and Xpel Window Tint & Paint Protection Film Certified installers. The business has seen incredible growth since its inception. Having originally started out in a small shop on 18th Street, they eventually moved to their current location on 17th St N and now the move to their new and final home on the north hill. Darvill tells bdnmb.ca that with the new space he will be adding lots of new things from equipment to product to servicesJacobson, the owner of Affordable Storage, saw a need for additional storage on the north hill so this was a great time for the two entrepreneurs to team up and join forces for the benefit of both businesses.Resurrection and Affordable Storage will be fully operational in this new location as of Feb 20, 2021.

The annual Pik-A-Dilly RV Centre Indoor Show and Sale at the Keystone Centre, has officially been cancelled for 2021. Pik-A-Dilly RV Centre, General Manager Ryan Main says, “It was a difficult decision, but definitely the right thing to do. Covid-19 protocols prevent us from hosting any major public event right now. I know people looked forward to our show each year. We do too. But this temporary break from routine is to protect public health and make sure that we can all get back to camping and having fun with our family and friends this summer.” The indoor show and sale has been replaced with virtual tours and private appointments at this time. Main adds, “the demand for trailers has never been higher. Manitobans are seeing the camping season as a bright light and something to really look forward to. It’s the light at the end of the tunnel right now. We are committed to working with families individually, on-site at our showroom at 320 Highland Avenue or virtually, to find them the best trailer, at the best price. Camping season is not cancelled!” Pik-A-Dilly RV Centre has been family owned and operated in Brandon since 1962.  The indoor show and sale has run annually for more than 50 years. The show was a week-long event, held each year, the first week of February, Pik-A-Dilly RV Centre specializes in new and pre-owned towable campers and trailers. Product lines include both Dutchmen and Coachmen brands. A parts showroom and accredited MPI/SGI service shop are also on-site at Pik-A-Dilly RV Centre.