For the fifth consecutive year, Westman Communications Group (Westman Communications) is sending one lucky member on a hot holiday, far away from Manitoba winter. As part of our contest, loyal members of five years or more were eligible to win an all-inclusive trip for two to Punta de Mita, Mexico! This year’s lucky winner is Teresa Makarchuk from Virden, Manitoba! Westman Communications staff members’ surprised Makarchuk by showing up at her house to announce that she won a trip of a lifetime. “It is unbelievably exciting to win a trip to Mexico. I have never been and am looking very forward to it,” said Makarchuk. Makarchuk has travelled to numerous places, including Bermuda, Scotland, and the Bahamas, but she has never been on an all-inclusive vacation. “I have two wonderful kids who really want to come along… maybe next trip,” laughed Makarchuk. “But I truly thank Westman Communications Group for this opportunity. It is bringing extreme happiness to both myself and my friend Dawn. We’re looking forward to catching up in paradise.” Makarchuk and her old high school friend, Dawn, will hit the beaches of Punta de Mita, Mexico, from March 4 – March 10, 2020 courtesy of Westman Communications. “I love everything about Westman Communications, she added. “I love their channels, and the service I have gotten has always been amazing.” (submitted)

It’s the time of year when everyone is thinking about food. But while most are doing their holiday baking, preparing for holiday entertaining and a turkey feast, others in our community are worrying about how to keep food on the table and kitchen cupboards full when there are so many other expenses to think about as well. That’s why Real Canadian Superstore is launching the Holiday Food Drive at our stores throughout Winnipeg. From November 29 to December 24, all Real Canadian Superstore stores will be collecting nonperishable food items as well as cash donations to help community members in need across Winnipeg. One hundred percent of donations collected at each store will stay in the local community. In Brandon all food and monetary donations will go to Brandon Samaritan House Ministries. Food Banks Canada’s Hunger Count 2019 Report shows that in Manitoba, children make up 40 per cent of those using the services of food banks (40.6 per cent). Almost one in eight food bank clients is working but unable to make ends meet. “As the winter closes in, and especially leading up to the holidays, there are many stresses on a household budget. Sometimes there just isn’t enough money for everything,” says John Jackson from the Brandon Samaritan House Ministries. “The Real Canadian Superstore holiday campaign comes at a perfect time each year to help make the holidays brighter for everyone, and to help local food banks, and our clients, get through the long months ahead.” This year Real Canadian Superstore is calling once again for donations of nutritious non-perishable food items as well as cash. Last year during the Holiday Food Drive residents of Manitoba donated thousands of pounds of non-perishable food to local food banks across the province. We would like to challenge community members to help us raise even more this holiday season! (submitted)

Source: Brandon Police Service Media Release Police received information of a 35 year old man obtaining a handgun from another male in the 700’ block of Rosser Ave. The suspect was located at a residence in the 000’ block of 8th Street North and found to be in possession of a C02 replica handgun. He was also found to be in breach of a court order not to possess weapons. He was lodged for court on December 5th, 2019.

Brandon, Manitoba – Christmas is not just a season, but a state of mind, a state of mind that includes goodwill, generosity, and kindness. Sunrise Credit Union is promoting these qualities this Christmas season through the Rise to the Challenge campaign, where $14,000 in prizes will be awarded following a draw. Tayona Johnas, VP Wealth and Marketing, is excited to learn about the variety of acts of kindness that will be experienced. “One lucky winner one is going to receive a huge prize package,” Johnas says, “With it, there’s an opportunity to ‘pay it forward’ in a way they may have never done before. This is one huge bundle of blessings!” After learning about the initiative, more than 100 small businesses in southwestern Manitoba quickly decided to contribute to the prize package. “The diversity of prizes is astounding - from ten yards of gravel to legal services to suitcases to a massage,” says Terri Roulette McCartney, Marketing Manager at Sunrise Credit Union. “We were humbled and pleased not only by the generosity of businesses in our communities, but that they so quickly recognized the value in spreading acts of kindness”. “Once we learned about Sunrise Credit Union’s goal to spread more kindness in the community this Christmas season, we jumped on board by contributing to the prize package,” says Heather Day, owner of Daydreams Esthetics Spa in Brandon. “We hope that the winner enjoys our contribution or pays it forward to another who could use some pampering!” To enter the draw: 1. Stop by any Sunrise Credit Union branch to pick up a ‘kindness card.’ 2. Perform three acts of kindness. For example: shoveling snow for your neighbour, donating to a food bank, treating someone to coffee, donating toys to charity, volunteering or letting someone go in front of you in line. 3. Fill out your ‘kindness card’ with your three acts of kindness along with your name and contact information. 4. Return your ‘kindness card’ to any Sunrise Credit Union branch to enter the draw The deadline to enter the contest is noon on December 20th. The winner will be announced Sunday, December 22nd, on the Sunrise Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter pages. (submitted)

Source: Brandon Police Service Media Release On December 1st, 2019, police requested the public’s assistance in locating 62 year old Douglas Hicks. On December 3rd, 2019, at 4:09pm police located Mr. Hicks deceased near the 1st Street bridge. This incident is still under investigation by police and no further details will be released at this time. The police service would like to thank the public at large for their assistance with this incident.