Brandon, Manitoba – Christmas is the true chorus that culminates and commences another year of wonderful opportunities to reach out to those around us.  In that spirit, Sunrise Credit Union is donating over $32,000 to a number of charitable organizations in Southwestern Manitoba this holiday season: Adult & Teen ChallengeBoissevain & District Chamber of Commerce ‘A COVID Christmas’Boissevain Christmas CheerBrandon Regional Health Centre FoundationDeloraine & Area Christmas CheerEveryone Eats BrandonGrandview Christmas HampersHartney Christmas Cheer FundKid Sport BrandonMelita & Area Christmas Cheer BoardReston Pipestone Pastoral ChargeRM of Argyle Heart 2 Heart ProgramRonald McDonald House Charities ManitobaSara’s Pantry Food Bank & Glenboro UCTShoal Lake Healthy Community CommitteeSouthquill Area Food BankSte. Rose Share & CareTreherne Chamber of Commerce Christmas Hamper ProgramUnited Way Brandon & DistrictVirden & Area Food CupboardVirden Christmas CheerYMCA Strong Kids Campaign “The Christmas season presents opportunities to spread peace and joy to those around us.” said Sunrise Credit Union president and CEO Tim Klassen, “I hope our donations will inspire other businesses and individuals to remember the true meaning of Christmas and support charitable organizations in their community.” Consistent with our giving throughout the year, these donations are in addition to the $42,000 Helping People of Sunrise Grants that were distributed in April – May 2020 to assist with the health and economic crisis our communities faced at the beginning of the pandemic. (submitted article)

BRANDON, MB – The iconic Patmore forest, located on the Keystone Centre grounds is the site of a new, and unique, outdoor event venue. Clara – Latin for “bright” – is a clear top reception tent capable of hosting groups up to 350 among the 100 year old trees of the Keystone Centre’s most picturesque outdoor space. The event space will be located on a newly installed concrete pad. Limitless Events is currently taking reservations for Clara for spring 2021. Clara is a joint venture between Limitless Events, and the Keystone Centre, intended to bring more events to the Keystone Centre’s outdoor grounds. Perfect for weddings, the venue will also be used for cultural events, receptions, outdoor markets, and any other event looking for a unique, and elegant outdoor venue solution. “The Keystone Centre is privileged to have some of the nicest green space within the City, and we have been looking at ways to make it a more attractive site for events,” says Connie Lawrence, Keystone Centre assistant general manager and vice president of sales. “Clara will be an elegant centerpiece for that space, and the versatility means that the Keystone Centre can be home to events that may not have previously thought about hosting on our grounds. ”In addition to being the host site for Clara, the Keystone Centre will also manage all food and beverage arrangements for events held at the new venue. Booking inquiries can be directed to the Keystone Centre sales office at 204-729-3752 or info@keystonecentre.com. (Keystone Centre Release)

Engaged couples looking for a venue for their weddings have a new option starting in 2021. Located just 15 minutes South of Brandon, Oakland Estate features an elegant clear top tent surrounded by beautiful oak trees. Couples and their guests will enjoy the ceremony location, pathway with bistro lights, fire pit areas around the patio and a fully furnished bridal cottage! The venue rental includes tables and chairs, wheel chair accessible washrooms, a bar, caterer tent, clear tent, ceiling drapery with beautiful chandeliers and much more! "Building a wedding venue was always a dream of mine over the past four years, ever since I became a wedding photographer. My husband and I actually started planning and looking for the perfect property in summer of 2019".---owner, Janice Charriere The venue will have a maximum capacity of 200 people. Couples will have the option to hire a caterer of their choice. The transparent tent, with a cement floor for dancing, measures 50’x80’. Take a look at their website for more information, or to inquire about a booking. www.oaklandestate.ca. Facebook link.

Sara’s Pantry has joined hands with the Glenboro UCT to bring Christmas Cheer to those in need this Christmas Season! UCT member, Charlene Claeys-Godard has been spearheading the Christmas Hamper program in Glenboro for years. With the impact COVID has had on many, she is grateful to have the support of the team behind Sara’s Pantry, Glenboro’s food security program. “It’s great to have a few more hands to help,” Said Godard. “We are very fortunate to have annual donors that give every year faithfully; this year is going to be tough for even more families, we want to be ready to meet that need.” Debbie Olsen, Co-Operating Manager at Sara’s Pantry says collection has already started. “Collection bins and donation jars have gone out today,” said Olsen. “If you are interested in donating a toy to a child, please call ACE Hardware 204-827-2334 to make arrangements over the phone; thank you so much for your support!”. Donations are being accepted at: • ACE Building Centre (204-827-2334) • D & A Foods • Glenboro Co-op • Glenboro Pharmacy • Westoba Credit Union The organizers have worked with the retailers at Glenboro Co-op and D & A Foods to put together $15.00 donation packages for purchase. “It’s like a full meal deal,” said Olsen. “The packages contain everything a small family or couple need for a healthy meal and more; the Glenboro Pharmacy is preparing similar packages containing personal hygiene items, just pick one up at the store and they will donate it to Sara’s Pantry.” Support for Sara’s Pantry has been strong with donations coming in recently from the Glenboro Ag Society, Pembina Co- op and the Glenboro Breakfast Club. Monetary donations can be made at Westoba Credit Union in Glenboro. “Our branch is proud to support Sara’s Pantry,” said Marie Bodnarchuk, Branch Manager at Westoba and Treasurer for Sara’s Pantry. “Just let any of us know you would like to donate, and we can help.” Glenboro School, middle years are collecting hygiene products. Donations can be made by the students at the school. Rimmer Technology has placed a recycle bin in front of their store to collect reusable shopping bags, plastic bags and travel size containers. Those looking to access support from Sara’s Pantry are encouraged to email saraspantry2020@gmail.com. Follow Sara’s Pantry on Facebook at @sarapantry2020. (summitted)

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)