Mealshare, a national social enterprise on a mission to help end youth hunger, is thrilled to announce its new ongoing national partnership with A&W Canada. For every Mealshare Item purchased at an A&W location, one simple healthy meal will be provided to a youth in need. Scope of partnership: • The partnership has a goal of sharing 1,250,000 meals per year• All of A&W’s locations are participating – 1,000 locations stretching across the entire country.• Meals are provided through Mealshare’s network of 450 local charity partners across Canada. 80% of Mealshare’s financial support stays in local communities where the Mealshare Item was purchased, and 20% goes internationally to Save the Children. How the program works for A&W customers: • On ‘Mealshare Mondays’, customers can order a Cheddar Bacon Uncle Burger Combo and one meal will be provided to a youth in need through Mealshare.• Any day of the week, customers can “Make it a Mealshare” by adding $1.00 to their order. When customers do this, one meal will be provided to a youth in need through Mealshare.• Customers can participate in-restaurant, through drive-thru, or by using the mobile app. Photo: A&W Canada “A&W is an amazing organization and a leader in the industry through its many environmental and social initiatives,” says Jeremy Bryant, Co-Founder of Mealshare. “The support of A&W restaurants will make a huge impact for Mealshare and all the youth we support across the entire country”. “Our national partnership with Mealshare will help us make a bigger difference with our operators and their teams across the country. Local franchisees from coast to coast are excited to be a part of this program because they’ve seen first-hand the needs in their communities and how these programs can provide immediate benefit and support,” says Susan Senecal, Chief Executive Officer at A&W Canada. “No child should ever go hungry, especially in a country like Canada, so we’re thrilled that we can be a part of this initiative.”

Three local business owners are bringing their services together to create a unique offering and experience in Brandon's east end, merging home and garden products, landscaping services, boutique floral services and artisan foods and coffee. This new destination will be situated on the current grounds of The Green Spot. "There hasn’t been much change on the property of The Green Spot since the early 1990’s," says Bernie Whetter, Green Spot owner, "but it's time for a change. New build, new opportunities, new relationships. We are expanding our store by 5500 sq ft. The expansion will include smooth entry into a centralized and spacious retail space giving shoppers the chance to explore a unique and inspirational shopping experience in every direction. "But the expansion doesn't just include the already on-site services. Shaun Fjeldsted and the entire team of The BloomBox is excited to be joining the fold at the greenhouse. "We've seen a lot of change since purchasing the shop in 2008, which was originally a franchise. But now, after becoming an independent florist and having spent more than 30 years in the same location we will be relocating to a brand new space, custom built to offer premium floral arrangements to help strengthen relationships, give love and support, and celebrate life’s special moments. We are here to help convey your feelings, and this shift gives us the ability to offer expanded capacity, product lines, new events, along with additional local products for our clients. Photo: The BloomBox "Going forward guests can expect an experience that extends into other areas as well, with the installation of coffee and food services from Chez Angela Bakery and Café. "This is a big shift in how we can serve our guests," says James Chambers, General Manager. "It is thrilling to be able to reach more foot traffic and share our from-scratch, local-first philosophy on baking with our community." His partner and company founder Angela Chambers says the whole staff is looking forward to the new location. "A garden café experience could add a lot of sunshine in the middle of winter," she added. "Or, imagine sipping on a latte on an early Saturday morning as you admire the tropicals, or browse for annuals and vegetables for your spring garden. It's going to be wonderful. "And, while the core values of service and hospitality will remain the same for all three, independent small businesses, Whetter says that you can expect something entirely new. "Oh, everyone should be ready for change! Nothing is where it used to be. We are re-arranging all merchandise in a loop layout displaying all products along an easy-to-follow pathway. We will add places for our customers to relax and enjoy a tropical sanctuary. With this new space, we will be adding more product lines making the Green Spot Home & Garden a shopping destination for every occasion 12 months of the year." "It's great to be part of a community of like-minded owners," adds Fjeldsted. "We can't wait to be together in the final space." (The BloomBox Press Release)

Minary Homestyle Bakery in Souris (114-1st St S) is definitely a road trip worthy stop. Ever since we launched bdnmb.ca in March of 2016, we have been hearing about this amazing bakery just 30 short minutes from Brandon. Hop in your vehicle and treat yourself, your family and guests to some of the bakery's most popular items including cookies, apple fritters, cheese & garlic pull a part buns, cinnamon buns, donuts and more. Their bakers are committed to both quality and consistency. Minary’s Homestyle Bakery has been a family run business for the past 14-years. In addition to the local Souris clientele, the bakery also receives tremendous support from the neighboring communities and passersby as well. Minary Homestyle Bakery is the type of establishment where you enter just looking to pick up a loaf of bread and walk out with an armful of scratch made pastries and goodies. This is one destination you definitely want to fill up the tank and visit. You can view their Facebook page here. Minary Homestyle Bakery Minary Homestyle Bakery Minary Homestyle Bakery Minary Homestyle Bakery Minary Homestyle Bakery Minary Homestyle Bakery Minary Homestyle Bakery Minary Homestyle Bakery Minary Homestyle Bakery Minary Homestyle Bakery

For those people who do not photoshop, never heard of photoshop,can’t make your kids photoshop or just dont have the time to photoshop…yourself and the delightful Bernie Sanders and his Mittens. COME TO WEBBER PRINTING - He’s onsite for three whole days!! THIS WEDNESDAY, January 26, THURSDAY, January 27 & FRIDAY, January 28 from 8am to 5pm - you can drive up and get your picture or pictures with The MAN or Cut-Out Himself!! Take as many selfies as you like, keep them as souvenirs, share them on Facebook (just don’t forget to tag Webber Printing) or Instagram and share with friends. If you can, bring a donation for Samaritan House! There is a box directly beside Mr Bernie.Please remember your COVID 19 Protocols and restrictions social distancing will apply.

January 26, 2021– For years, Co-op has been creating places for Western Canadians. This year as we’ve been staying safe by staying apart, Co-ops continue to invest in spaces for when we can safely come back together. Co-op Community Spaces was launched in 2015 to help protect, beautify and improve spaces across Western Canada. Since then, it has provided $9.5 million to 132 projects that improve the social, economic and environmental well being of local communities. Entering its seventh year, the program is dedicating $1 million in funding and is accepting applications for capital projects that will improve spaces across Western Canada. “Locally, Heritage Co-op is proud to support organizations and projects that make a difference to our members and our community” said Lorne Zacharias, General Manager of Heritage Co-op. “Finding ways to support our community is even more important as we’ve been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. We’re looking forward to a time when we’ll all be able to gather as a community again and we encourage all of our community organizations who could benefit from capital funding to apply.” Capital funding between $25,000 and $150,000 per project is available. Co-op invites registered nonprofit organizations, registered charities or community service co-operatives to apply online between February 1 and March 1, 2021. Program funding categories include recreation, environmental conservation and urban agriculture. Federated Co-operatives Limited administers the giving program on behalf of more than 160 independent local co-ops across Western Canada that form the Co-operative Retailing System. To learn more about Co-op Community Spaces or apply for funding, visit communityspaces.ca.