February 7, 2017 (Brandon, Manitoba): In the face of critical financial challenges, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Brandon is reaching out to corporate and government partners as well as local residents for financial support to ensure that essential mentoring supports remain in Brandon, Manitoba and area. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Brandon has been a part of the Brandon, Manitoba community since 1972, providing many mentoring programs to children and youth for the past 45 years. When the organization opened there was a definite need for mentors to help children in their community. Today, that need is even greater with many more children and youth in need of a mentor. Unfortunately, revenue has not kept up with program costs, and the demand for services has far exceeded the finances available to provide them. The only nationwide fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters is Bowl for Kid’s Sake, which used to raise $35,000 - $40,000 each spring. Last year only $7,000 was raised as fewer and fewer businesses and community groups have entered teams. “As a result of significant decreases in fundraising revenue, staffing was cut last year and certain programs that do not have designated sponsorship have not been running at all,” said Carla Davidson, Executive Director. “Today we turn to the community for support so that all young people in Brandon and surrounding areas can reach their full potential with the support of a mentor.” Over 125 children and youth (ages 6 – 18) are part of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Brandon programs. In addition, 400 – 500 children are reached with gifts from the Big Brothers Big Sisters Christmas Tree at the Shoppers’ Mall and the Toyota Full of Toys. The agency has also had 13 youth receive $36,000 scholarships through the CIBC Youthvision Scholarship program and the agency selects the children that will attend Tim Horton’s Camps from Brandon and Virden. The agency continues to graciously accept donations and support from public and private sector partners as well as individuals throughout the region. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Brandon also serves the communities of Forrest, Rivers, Neepawa, Minnedosa, CFB Shilo, Douglas, Alexander, Wawanesa and Carberry with requests regularly from other communities to offer services. ABOUT BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF BRANDON: For more information, please contact: NAME Carla Davidson TITLE Executive Director  EMAIL carla.davidson@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca PHONE 204-727-1787

With files from City of Brandon Public Notice. The City of Brandon released a statement today that Scott Hildebrand, Brandon City Manager, tendered his notice of resignation effective the end of March of 2017.  Scott has served in his role of City Manager since June of 2011. “The last six years has been an amazing experience for me - from a business perspective, but more so from a people perspective,” Hildebrand said. “The City of Brandon staff are one of the most committed, dedicated, and customer service-focused groups I have ever worked with. Our team truly understands the meaning of our vision statement, ‘Serving and Building Community’, and deserves the respect of this community.” His employment end date is March 28th and he is going to return to the public sector, in British Columbia,  to pursue a career.  Mayor, Rick Crest, and the City of Brandon’s Personnel Committee will first appoint an acting City Manager before the search begins for an official replacement.

Looking for something to do on a Saturday night? How about solving a murder while enjoying a delicious roast beef dinner at the Wild West Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre: Death on the Assiniboine, by 7 Ages Productions. Join a rambunctious cast of comical characters in a Wild West whodunit. While enjoying a delicious roast beef dinner, join the gunslingers and fellow Brandon pioneers to solve a murder mystery. The suspects are spread throughout the room, sitting right at the tables with you. Can you solve the mystery? If you're right you'll win a prize. The interactive evening of dinner and mystery will be held at the Ukrainian Reading Association Hall, as a fundraiser for the the Daly House. Tickets are $45.00 each. The deadline for tickets is February 28th, so call 204-727-1722 today to reserve your tickets! You can also email dalymuseum@wcgwave.ca.   (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});    

On June 3rd, 2017, the Canadian Cancer Society will hold it's annual Westman Relay for Life Fundraiser event at the Keystone Center grounds from 2-11pm. Come on out and show you support for friends and family who have been affected by cancer. There will be LOTS of local businesses and entertainment involved with the event, providing family fun for everyone! Music, children's games, and local vendors galore! The Relay for Life is the flagship fundraiser for the CCS, and needs your help supporting vital, groundbreaking cancer treatment research, support and care programs, and many other assistance efforts. Walk, jog, or run, and show your support! Please register your team at www.relayforlife.ca, or contact Deanna Danielson at the CCS office at 204 571 2800, and start fund-raising with your team today.  

Manitoba-based Flipside Opera, group of young local musicians turned entrepreneurs who are dedicated to growing the diverse music scene in the province, will be hosting a concert event in Brandon on March the 10th. Greeriad, their current production, will take to the stage of the Lorne Watson Recital Hall and will feature Manitoban composer John Greer's music. Taking inspiration from Canadian folk song and prairie poetry, Greer's music is a new twist on well-known stories. You will become part of the action as singers and pianists weave among the audience with story and song. Greeriad, is a nod to the salon concerts popular with composers such as Schubert. John grew up in Manitoba and throughout his music, there was a sense that this music belonged on the prairies. There will be several arrangements of popular Canadian folk tunes, both new and old, performed in ensemble and by soloists. Additionally there will be 2 works featuring piano arrangements for 4 hands. This concert will feature 3 Brandon University Alumni: Laura Loewen, Lisa Rumpel and Judith Oatway. Also on the program are (Minnedosa native) Aaron Hutton, Jessica Kos-Whicher, Elizabeth Hoyt-Surdhar and Matthew Pauls.   (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});     Tickets are $25.00 for general admission and $15.00 for students and artists. They can be purchased, in advance, through their website. Flipside is in their second full season, and working hard to create roles for musicians in the province. This program, Greeriad, will be heard by audiences in Winnipeg, Brandon and Flin Flon during this tour. Friday, March 10, 2017 Start Time: 8pm Lorne Watson Recital Hall, Brandon University 270-18th Street, Brandon