Fourteen worthwhile organizations in Western Manitoba will be receiving grants valued at more than $42,000 through the Helping People of Sunrise grant program. The temporary initiative was launched late last month, with Sunrise partnering with non-profit organizations and businesses to fill a variety of needs in our communities. “Community groups are providing important services and programs during this unprecedented time, and Sunrise Credit Union is thrilled to help support their activities,” said Sunrise President and CEO Tim Klassen. “Being able to support these organizations that are supporting the communities we serve reinforces the Sunrise Way and our commitment of giving back to our communities.” “The services these organizations are providing during the health and economic crisis are integral for the health and happiness of our communities,” said Sunrise V.P. Wealth & Marketing Tayona Johnas. “Sunrise Credit Union’s priorities have always included contributing to the communities we are part of, and we’re proud to work with and support these amazing organizations.” Among the organizations receiving support through a grant is the Samaritan House Ministries Food Hamper Program. The grant of almost $19,000 will allow for the purchase of products from the Souris River Hutterite Colony - JK Meats, East 40 Packers Ltd. and Heritage Co-op to stock food hampers for individuals and families in need. “This generous donation will assist our food bank in providing much-needed protein in our hamper program. Community relationships such as with Sunrise Credit Union offer unique opportunities to support local producers and processors; this food would not otherwise be available to our families in need.” said Barbara McNish, Executive Director of Samaritan House Ministries in Brandon, “As we experience first-hand the fragility of our food system amid a health crisis, we rely even more heavily on our community. We are thankful for the strength of our partnerships, and we look forward to facing new challenges together!” Many other food banks in the Western Manitoba area also received grants in the form of products from businesses as part of the program including the Minnedosa & Area Food Bank, the Shoal Lake & Area Food Bank, Boissevain Food Pantry, Deloraine & Area Food Cupboard and the Melita & Area Community Link Food Pantry. The Southquill Health Area Foodbank Inc., based in Erickson, is receiving products valued at $5,000 to help feed families in need, with the product purchased from Heritage Co-op, Folk Dance Farms and Tamarack Farms. “Directly supporting local farmers changes our rural communities and economy by bringing more families back to farming and our communities. It creates more diverse farms and more diverse food produced on those farms, rather than focusing on large-scale, export-oriented farming and very few kinds of crops.” said Heather Parrott-Howdle, President of Southquill Health Area Foodbank Inc., “Directly supporting our farms keeps 100% of the money in our community and supports more whole, healthy foods. By supporting local farms, it means we are localizing the food chain, increasing our community’s food security, and re-populating the empty rural landscape.” In addition to food banks, several other organizations that are supporting individuals and families in need during the health and economic crisis are receiving Helping People of Sunrise grants. The Helping Hands Centre of Brandon will receive over $1,000 worth of product, including supplies from Ace Kitchen Supplies to help the organization continue with their takeout program implemented because of the health crisis. M.I.L.E.S. for Seniors in Holland’s grant will purchase supplies and products for takeout service while the Y.W.C.A. in Brandon is receiving $4,000 worth of groceries for residents of Meredith Place. (Sunrise Credit Union Media Release)

La Rocque Dining in Wawanesa is a small town restaurant serving up some big time eats. They specialize in serving Canadian comfort food classics like mouth watering burgers, crispy deep fried chicken, and a selection of poutines piled high with toppings. The menu also features a variety of wraps, sandwiches, appetizers, and pizza. Diners will enjoy the extremely reasonable prices and generous portions. La Rocque Dining is located at 123 4th Street in Wawanesa. The restaurant first opened in January of 2017. Current hours of operation are Tuesday-Saturday from 10am to 8pm, Sunday 10am to 7pm, and closed Mondays. The restaurant is open for both dine-in takeout orders and the best method to place an order is via phone at 204-724-8655 or 204-573-1267. To view their menu, or for more information on La Rocque Dining, please visit their Facebook page here.

Brandon's Red Kayak Flooring Company brings the full flooring showroom experience right to your front door. With a well priced, hand-picked selection of quality flooring (hardwood, luxury vinyl plank, carpet, luxury sheet flooring) to choose from, their goal is to make the process of finding and installing new flooring in your home or business as easy and convenient as possible. Their team will be happy to provide quality, professional installation services for any flooring you’ve already purchased. They are offering their services in Brandon, Clear Lake and the Westman area in Manitoba. Owners Bobby-Jo Danielson & Mark Jenkins have a combined 40 years of experience in the business of flooring sales and installation services. That knowledge, combined with their passion for giving their customers an experience that is completely unique, convenient and their own are the reasons they decided to start their new business, Red Kayak Flooring Co. You can visit their web site here, or else check them out on Facebook here.

Westoba Credit Union, has announced funding for its communities to address the growing need for resources during the COVID-19 pandemic. “In this time of unpredictable change, we as members of Westoba Credit Union stand by our commitment to our communities,” said Jim Rediger, Westoba President, and CEO. “We are grateful to continue to provide service to our members while keeping safety top of mind. This is a time for all of us to come together.” Recognizing that some people and organizations in our communities have been impacted by COVID-19 and its economic consequences, Westoba has designated funds to support organizations most in need. Each Westoba branch chose community resources to benefit from these donations. These selected charities will receive support immediately to help alleviate some of the strain on their services. For a full list of recipients, visit https://westobacu.com/news/community-donations/.

The Province of Manitoba introduced phase 1 of the re-opening of the Province on Monday. Golf courses, hair salons and patios were were among the businesses listed who were allowed to open under several rules and restrictions as set out by the province. Janet Sawatzky, from Studio 13 Salon on 13th Street, said business has brisk since opening Monday and the salon is totally booked up until June. They have also posted a detailed list of steps required for clients entering the establishment. Jason Earl, from Glen Lea Golf Course, also said that business has been steady and solid even with the new rules having been put in place. When visiting Brandon Source for Sports, at 2025 Brandon Ave, you will first be met by a staff member outside to explain the rules of entering the store as well as been provided education on how the staff will sanitize after each sale. Finally, the patios are now able to open if they so choose and yesterday at Montana's customers were able to eat and drink and enjoy the sun. According to the Province of Manitoba phase 2 could start no earlier than June 1st - 2020 If the results of phase one of restoring services are positive, the following activities and business may restart or reopen in a limited manner. Other changes may be considered as the results of phase one are reviewed. If results during or at the end of phase one are not positive, the province will not proceed with further easing of public health measures and may reintroduce others. PUBLIC GATHERINGS Public gatherings such as social gatherings, worship, weddings and funerals may be permitted up to increase, following a review of the health risk and as long as physical distancing can be maintained. RESTAURANTS Restaurants may be able to reopen indoor spaces to operate at 50 per cent capacity, in addition to take-out, delivery, patio and walk-up service, as long as physical distancing requirements are met. All businesses will be required to limit occupancy to 50 per cent of normal business levels. PERSONAL SERVICES BUSINESSES Manicurists and pedicurists may be considered for opening. FILM PRODUCTION Film productions may resume if operations maintain occupancy and activity levels to allow people to maintain a physical distance of at least two metres, except for brief exchanges. NON-CONTACT CHILDREN'S SPORTS Seasonal non-contact children's sports activities may operate if they maintain occupancy and activity levels that allow people to maintain a physical distance of at least two metres, except for brief exchanges. Overnight camps will not be permitted.