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.

It's no secret that many local businesses across the Country have been struggling during the pandemic. In support of the local business community, the Brandon Chamber of Commerce recently assembled and released a local online catalog for the holidays. The Shop Local Holiday Guide is a place for local businesses "to advertise their products and services, as well as make it easy and convenient for Manitobans to shop and support local this holiday season". Businesses are separated into many different categories including gifts for her, gifts for him, gifts for kids, stocking stuffers, food & beverage, and more. Using a legend, visitors can than determine which businesses offer curbside pickup, local delivery, online ordering, gift cards, and shipping. This holiday season, please remember to shop local and support your neighbours.

A new destination for Indian and Asian food (Bombay Spices, 1126 Rosser Ave) is coming soon to downtown Brandon. While the exact opening day has not yet been set, the shelves are full of Indian food staples and additional items are arriving daily. The store will carry a wide array of imported items including fresh vegetables, spices, snacks, drinks, dairy, many different types of rice/lentils, boxed masalas, flour, canned goods, desserts and frozen food items. Management told bdnmb.ca they will have access to over 8500 different items from the most popular food brands (about 200) in Indian supermarkets. Bombay Spices has several other locations in Canada including Regina, Hamilton, Calgary, Winnipeg, Saskatoon, and Edmonton.

Weiming Zhao & Webber Printing are so very excited to announce a creative partnership. Seventeen years in the making, they introduce Weiming’s Premier 2021 Calendar - Brandon - My Collection Of Pride And Inspiration. For $20.00 (+tax) you receive thirteen, high-quality reprints of his most picturesque landscapes, art quotes to live by and each month has enough room for notes and all those important dates you need to remember. To order Call Webber Printing at 204-728-1302. Weiming Zhao's stunning work has been featured before on bdnmb.ca. $1.00 from the sale of each calendar to be allocated to the United Way. Mailing or curbside pickup available. Calendar Measures 17” Inches X 11” High Horizontal Format • Quality Paper Individually Shrink Wrapped Weiming Zhao's ok has been featured before on bdnmb.ca