Brandon, Manitoba – Sunrise Credit Union awarded $1,400 to youth in Western Manitoba through its Financial Literacy Month contest in November. The contest saw youth across Sunrise Credit Union communities complete activity sheets to learn more about Borrowing Money, Making Money, Saving Money and Spending Money. Sheets returned to Sunrise Credit Union were entered into the contest, and 14 branches gave away a $100 deposit into a HeadStart Plan 24 account to one winner from their community. Sunrise Credit Union’s HeadStart Plan 24 account is specifically designed as a ‘first’ account for ages 0-18. It is an excellent way for young members to start saving while learning the ins and outs of depositing and withdrawing money, collecting interest, and saving for the future. The winners in Sunrise Credit Union’s 2020 Financial Literacy Month contest were: Damiano – Baldur Quinn – Brandon Cohen – Cypress River Audrey – Deloraine Dominik – Grandview Maisie - Hartney Kyle – Holland Ethan – Laurier Carly – Minnedosa Austin – Oakburn Sophia – Reston Claire – Shoal Lake Ayva – Ste. Rose du Lac Peyton - Strathclair Sunrise Credit Union is committed to educating the public to help individuals become self-sufficient to achieve financial stability. Providing these skills can help a person develop an economic ‘road map’ to identify what they earn, what they spend and what they owe. 2020 marked the tenth year of Financial Literacy Month. (submitted)

his year Ten Thousand Villageson Rosser Avenue marksthirtyyears as an independent businessin Downtown Brandon. Ten Thousand Villages is more than a non-profit, volunteer run, fair trade organization selling crafts and consumables from around the World. Ten Thousand Villages buildslong-term relationships with artisans and small-scale farmers who receive a fair income, empowering themto provide a better future for their familiesand their communities. Meeghan Gavin, manager, states that “Ten Thousand Villages works with artisanswho would otherwise be unemployed or underemployed, providing sustainable income through Fair Trade. This income helps pay for food, education, health care and housing.” In 1990 a small group of volunteers moved the Self-Help Crafts (Ten Thousand Villages’ predecessor) from the MCC Thrift Store on Pacific Avenue to Rosser Avenue. The name of the organization changed -in 1996, Self Help Crafts of the World and became Ten Thousand Villages -but the mission remained the same. In early 2020 Ten ThousandVillages Canada announced the closure of its head office and distribution centre. Ten Thousand Villages Brandon is among four stores from across Canada that decided to remain open as an independent locally run fair trade store. Ten Thousand Villages continues to be a volunteer-based organization; some of the 15+ regular volunteers at Ten Thousand Villages have been volunteering with the organization for decades. Though the volunteers’ personal reasons for sharing their time may vary, they are all concerned about positively impacting the lives of artisans and farmers in developing countries through fair trade. This year’s anniversary celebration will be different than in past years. Since no gatherings are currently allowed, the store will be holding a social media contest to celebrate its 30 year anniversary, with 3 prizes of ten bags of fair trade coffee for the lucky winners!

HAMIOTA – Fusion Credit Union has once again been named a Top Manitoba Employer and Darwin Johns, Chief Executive Officer, couldn't be more proud. “This year has been challenging,” says Johns, "but the care and commitment our team continues to show for the community and each other carries us through.” A full-service financial institution with a staff of 190, Fusion serves more than 32,000 members through 18 branches across communities in Parkland and southwestern Manitoba. Administering assets of more than $1.2 billion, Fusion has the capacity, the shared commitment and the opportunity to support growth and prosperity, locally and beyond. "Employee and community wellness are at the forefront of what we do," added Johns. "This year, wemade a conscious effort at the Board and leadership level to practice that." Recently, Fusion installed massage chairs or nap pods in every branch as the result of an "Innovation Den" project, similar to Dragon's Den, where teams of Managers presented their innovative ideas to the Executive. From a whole range of great ideas, wellness spaces met all the criteria they were looking for. A nap pod was also provided to Brandon University as part of their community engagement commitment. "Installing these nap pods and chairs was founded on statistics that showed a 20-minute nap improved employee well-being and job performance," says Guy Huberdeau, Fusion Credit Union's Board Chair. The credit union considers itself an “idea place” and encourages staff to develop creative ideas about how the organization can strengthen its commitment to innovation and service excellence. “We’re a company that practices innovation," says Johns. “We value new ideas from employees at every level of the organization.” Owned by its members, governed by a board of directors, and staffed by area residents, Fusion continues to be one of the most active supporters of community organizations and events in the region. The credit union is a major sponsor of Credit Union Place and Countryfest in Dauphin, as well as the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair in Brandon. Fusion employees receive competitive salaries and company benefits, including training allowances, education funding and many other professional development opportunities. "We also launched an employee recognition program this year," added Johns. "We are committed to showing our staff and members that Fusion is a work environment that celebrates and supports community.” Fusion continues to succeed by staying true to its vision, mission and values and by ensuring that the best interests of its members are always an organizational priority. The organization recognizes the value of outstanding member service delivered by a team of staff members who share Fusion’s values and take pride in their work and their communities. “We have outstanding, talented employees who care about each other and the work we do for our members and communities, which is what makes Fusion such a fantastic organization to build a career and do business with” says Johns. For information about career opportunities with Fusion Credit Union, visit fusioncu.com/careers. (Submitted)

BDNMB.CA recently donated over 150 stuffed animals (with a retail value of $1,500) to the United Way of Brandon & District's Holiday Hamper campaign. "When the United Way said they were looking for non-perishable food items and toys to fill the more than 800 hampers, we wanted to step-up and contribute any way we could" said bdnmb.ca's Director of Business Operations, Jody Sass. "We're a firm believer in giving back to the community, and this year we wanted to support an organization whose efforts will make a huge impact on others over the holiday season". "We also want to say thank-you to Jim & Michelle Mills of Select Shows for their assistance with the acquisition and delivery of the stuffed animals" added Darryl Wolski, bdnmb.ca's Chief Marketing Officer. The United Way's Bryan Podworny (pictured below) appreciated the donation. "I want to thank bdnmb.ca for thinking of us. With over 800 hampers to fill, we are glad they are helping to support the cause". The organization is still in search of donations (toys, food, socks and underwear, personal hygiene items, baby items like formula and diapers, monetary donations for protein purchasing) to help fill 630 hampers. Drop off sites for donations include: Career Connections, CoWorks, Murrays, ToyMasters, Harveys, Systems Beauty Centre, Planet Kia & Montana's. The last day to drop off items is December 5th. To adopt-a-family, please contact the United Way of Brandon & District at office@brandonuw.ca or call 204.571.8929.

The Westman Traditional Christmas Dinner may look a bit different this year, but that didn’t stop Brandon’s four credit unions from teaming up for their annual Christmas Dinner donation. “For many years, we have come together as a credit union group to donate $2000.00 to the Westman Traditional Christmas Dinner,“ said Jim Rediger, Westoba Credit Union President & CEO. “Gladden and his team turn this donation into a beautiful turkey dinner for those most in need; we are proud to support them, and this year is no different.” Gladden Smith from the Westman Traditional Dinner says that Brandon businesses and residents are still eager to donate food and their time. “Even in these unprecedented times with COVID-19 having such a devastating impact on so many, we are still coming together to make sure no one goes without a nice hot meal on Christmas Day; it makes me so happy and proud to live in such a wonderful caring community.” In past years the Westman Traditional Christmas Dinner would serve over 3150 meals. Everyone Eats Brandon intends to service the same capacity this year through meal pick up or delivery. CEO at Compass Credit Union, Buck Bright, said his team is proud to come together with the Brandon credit unions in the spirit of Christmas. “In this year of uncertainty and worry, nobody should have to worry about where their next meal is coming from, "said Bright. Fusion Credit Union recognized the determination of the organizers. “We are so happy that the organizers have found a way to adapt to COVID-19 restrictions to continue to support families in need in Westman, “said Fusion Credit Union CEO, Darwin Johns. “A wonderful organization in the Westman area we are honoured to support.” This year’s dinner will rely on the help of several different community groups and volunteers. “We hope that with this donation of turkeys, more people in our area can enjoy a traditional Christmas dinner,” said Tim Klassen, President & CEO of Sunrise Credit Union. “We’d like to commend the John Howard Society, Brandon University, Food Matters Manitoba, the Board of the Westman & Area Traditional Christmas Dinner and the countless volunteers who have made Everyone Eats Brandon a reality this year.” Registration for the meal will start on December 1st. Those wanting to book a meal are to call 204-571-8524.