in photo from left to right: Barb Blake, Aida Tahhan, Jacqueline East [100 Women Who Care], Vandana Jamadagni, Jim Hillis [Helping Hands] Helping Hands Soup Kitchen received a helping hand via a $4,000 donation from the 100 Women Who Care group.  Jacqueline East gave a touching presentation as she nominated the soup kitchen at the recent gathering of 100 Women Who Care. “Helping Hands means so much to me because of their efforts acknowledging and honouring this important part of our community - our neighbors who are so often forgotten or dismissed.”    Board Chairman Jim Hillis was thrilled to hear the news that not only was Helping Hands nominated, but the recipient of the 100 Women Who Care donation. “Helping Hands wouldn’t exist without community donations and the hard work of all the volunteers that give time to help those less fortunate. This money is gratefully appreciated and will help us continue to offer a hot meal to those that may otherwise go without food.” Established in 1990, Helping Hands served only 6 meals the first day they opened. Fast forward to 2016 and now the Centre averages 175 meals per day, Monday through Friday.  Helping Hands relies on donations to cover all operating and staffing costs.  Only two positions are staffed, the main cook and Coordinator, and relies on community volunteers to help prepare and serve the daily meal.  Hutterite Colonies and some grocery stores donate food when they can, but monetary donations help the Centre through the lean winter months when food donations are low and meals served are higher. Established through the Brandon Area Community Foundation, 100 Women Who Care is a group of women who share a common desire to give back and inspire local philanthropy in their community. For more Information: Helping Hands Soup Kitchen                          100 Women Who Care, BACF Vandana Jamadagni                                       Laura Kempthorne Coordinator                                                     General Manager 204-727-4635                                                  204-571-0529

The jaws of life had to be used to remove two elderly people from their SUV following a two vehicle collision at 18th Street North and Braecrest Drive in Brandon on Saturday.   Police say the SUV, with the two elderly occupants, were westbound on Braecrest Drive and entered onto 18th Street North and were struck by a northbound vehicle. Both vehicles received major damage, and all three victims suffered injuries and were transported to the BRHC. Injuries are not considered to be life threatening and alcohol is not considered to be a factor at this time. The investigation will continue.

A 34-year old Brandon man has been arrested without incident following the serious assault of a downtown hotel employee.  Police received a call Friday evening regarding the assault and upon arriving on scene they found a 62 -year old hotel employe, unconscious, in the hotel lobby. From there it was determined that a tenant of the hotel had beat the man unconscious, dragged him from a hotel room, down a flight of stairs, and out onto the street. The victim was taken by ambulance to the BRHC where he is being treated for possible facial fractures. The investigation continues.

The 7th Annual Easter Seals Send Kids to Camp bonspiel will take place Saturday, February the 4th, 2017 at the Riverview Curling Club. The event hosted each year by Cam Toews, and the staff over at CENTURY 21 Westman.com Ltd., helps thousands of children enjoy the ability to go to camp and enjoy the friendship and fun in the summer. This years format will remain the same as previous years as everybody plays three 4-end games. Teams who participated in previous years will have their spots reserved for them until December 31 and other entries will be placed onto a waiting list. Those who enter prior to December 16th are in the early draw, including those on the waiting list. Cost is only $160 per team and includes dinner. In the past 6 years the event has raised over $62,500. For additional information or to register please contact Cam Toews at 204-761-6557 or Brenda Burton at 204-725-0555, brenda@century21westman.com.

According to Brandon City Police reports a 19-year old woman was stabbed in the back while babysitting at a house in the 300 block of Ross Ave Thursday morning.  Early reports indicate that the blade may have broken off in her back.  The victim did manage to return to her home on Willowdale Crescent before contacting 911 and the police shortly before 6 am.  She was transported to the BRANDON Regional Health Centre where she was treated for non-life threatening injuries.   Officers went to the house where, where the stabbing was alleged to have taken place, and found several adults at the home who were all intoxicated.  Upon arriving at 300 Ross Ave officers also found a man who had also been assaulted and he too was transported to the BRHC.  Five children were found at the residence and they were turned over to Child & Family Services.   As a result of the visit four adults were lodged at the Brandon Correctional Centre due to their high level of intoxication, two of which had outstanding warrants.  An investigation is currently underway.   (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});