Norwex  today announced it will provide one million face masks to healthcare professionals fighting the spread of coronavirus on the frontlines around the world. Their "A Million Masks. A Million Thank Yous." initiative was created to help alleviate the shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) by distributing masks to hospitals in some of the hardest-hit areas.  Norwex, through its global supply network and manufacturing partners, quickly secured one million face masks to help increase the protection of frontline healthcare professionals. "Whether donating time, money or goods, charitable efforts are part of who we are, and this is our way of offering support and saying 'thank you' to our frontline medical professionals in a practical and tangible way," said Judy Letain, Global Chief Executive Officer.  This initiative will take place in North America in partnership with organizations including Provincial Health Departments in Canada and through DonatePPE.org in the US. Shipments of the donated masks will be sent directly to distribution centers, where they will be passed on to areas identified as the most in-need.  "This donation of face masks, in a time where our provincial leaders predict critical shortages of them, will make a substantial positive impact in our fight against the virus," said Dr. Kyle Saikaley, Emergency Medicine. "An adequate supply of masks means that healthcare workers can protect both themselves and the patients they're treating. I cannot stress how important this is."  To learn more about the "A Million Masks. A Million Thank Yous." initiative, visit https://norwex.biz/en_CA/blog/million-masks. (submitted)

Joe Beeverz Bar and Grill, reopened for online ordering, delivery and curbside pickup on Tuesday. You can now order your favorite poutine, wings, sandwiches, burgers, salads and more online or by phone at 204-726-5637. Open 11:30am-8pm Tuesday-Saturday this week. Please follow their Facebook page for additional updates. Starting Monday, April 13th, The Dock on Princess will be introducing meal kits of some of their favorite menu items. Meal kits will be available Monday to Friday (noon to 6pm) with a zero contact carry out service in their parking lot. Zero contact delivery ($4) of your meal kit will also be available between the hours of 4pm and 6pm. Debit cards or credit cards only with all orders. Earlier today they released details of their first meal kit which includes 4 homemade beef or bison patties with fixings (lettuce, tomato, onions, cheddar cheese, buns, & more), homemade dill pickle chips, and 8 mozza sticks. Orders can be placied by calling them at 726-1234. For more information, please visit their Facebook page.

Sunrise Credit Union is proactively making some changes to how we serve the financial needs of our members in response to the current COVID-19 health crisis. Effective April 14, for the safety of our staff, members and our communities, we are temporarily suspending walk-in traffic at all of our branches. Members may still be able to access in-branch services, if necessary, but they will be required to call ahead and make an appointment. We will work hard to ensure all of your financial matters are handled effectively and efficiently during this temporary change in member experience. We will be available to our members over the phone. Members can contact their local branches or use Sunrise Credit Union’s toll-free number 1-888-289-3097. We ask members to continue to use alternative banking methods, including: ATMs and Secure Night Deposit Boxes Online banking through sunrisecu.mb.ca Sunrise Credit Union app Assistance over the phone for questions, appointments and all other matters. (submitted: Sunrise Credit Union)

Fusion Credit Union’s Chief Risk Officer Darwin Johns will become the financial cooperative’s new Chief Executive Officer on May 4, the board of directors announced today. Johns takes over from Ron Hedley, who is retiring after a lengthy career at the helm. “We considered a number of outstanding candidates,” said board president Guy Huberdeau. “Fusion is a billion-dollar credit union — so, as you can imagine, there were some very impressive applicants. “Even among such a capable field, though, Darwin emerged as clearly the best choice,” he continued. “And I think it speaks extremely well of our organization that we’ve been able to grow and nurture internally the talent we need to go forward with confidence and purpose.” Johns’ professional experience is extensive, going back to 2000 when he began as a Member Services Representative for Vanguard Credit Union while he was still a student at Brandon University. After ten years as a lender he was appointed Vice-President Finance and Technology in 2010, and later Vice-President Finance and Risk Management. In conjunction with the Fusion Credit Union amalgamation in 2018 he was named Chief Risk Officer. “I’ve been preparing for this role for a long time — for my whole career, really — and I’m eager to get started,” said Johns. “I’ve had the benefit of learning from some terrific leaders in the past, including Ian Gerrard and, most recently, Ron Hedley here at Fusion. I feel confident and, as challenging as it’s certain to be, I feel absolutely equipped for the role.” A lifelong learner, Johns has pursued ongoing education and achieved professional designations through the Credit Union Institute of Canada at Dalhousie University and a bachelor’s degree from Brandon University. He’s also active in the community, coaching hockey and baseball and serving on a number of volunteer boards over the years, including his current position on the Hamiota Education Stakeholders Committee. He lives near Kenton with his wife Erin, son Kyle and twin daughters Addison and Haily. (Fusion Credit Union Release)

Keller Developments, Westman Premier Homes, & Premier Commercial Builders have joined forces to better serve their clients in Brandon and the surrounding area. The merger was announced earlier today on Facebook. For the time being, all three business names will remain active out of their offices at 340 Park Ave East. The merger leaves the company with a compliment of over 70 qualified staff to assist with your in-house design requirements, custom home building, commercial building, land developments, and more.