Fusion Credit Union donates $150,000 to bike trail

DAUPHIN (February 7, 2020) — Fusion Credit Union will contribute $150,000 to the Dauphin Derailleurs Cycle Club in a sponsorship and naming rights agreement announced today. The funds will be dedicated to the new Fusion Credit Union Competition Course, an elite-level competition cycle trail that will be showcased at the 2020 Manitoba Games in Dauphin this August. The 5 km competition course is part of the larger Northgate Multi-Use Trail System, developed and operated by the Derailleurs club.

“This is fantastic news,” said Derailleurs president Brenda Gregory. “We’ve put in an amazing amount of time and energy, and fundraising, too, to make the whole Northgate trail system something we can all be proud of.

“The competition trail is the real jewel, though,” she continued. “We brought in one of western Canada’s leading landscape design firms (Scatliff Miller Murray) to ensure we have a first-class facility for the Manitoba Games, and for years to come. This gift from Fusion Credit Union has made a huge contribution to making our dream a reality.”

“As a financial cooperative, supporting the communities we serve is a key part of our mission,” said Fusion board chair Guy Huberdeau, “and we try to be generous with all kinds of projects and events, big and small. I think the competition cycle trail is an excellent fit for us, for a number of reasons.

“Not only will it make for a particularly memorable cycle competition at this summer’s Manitoba Games,” he said, “but we’ll be left with a multi-use trail that the whole community can take advantage of, after the Games are done.

“We say our purpose as a credit union is to help our members live their best lives,” he continued. “What better way to express that, than with a significant contribution to a network of safe, sustainably built, accessible trails, where everyone can enjoy an active outdoor experience that’s unique to the Parkland.”

The Fusion competition trail is located near the Selo Ukraina site and is linked the larger 20 km Northgate trail system. In recent years, existing trails have been upgraded and enhanced to take advantage of natural valleys and ridges, and competition features have been incorporated — including a challenging wall ride and jump line.

“The Dauphin Derailleurs are so excited about our partnership with Fusion Credit Union,” said Gregory. “This trail system is the product of countless hours of intense effort from the cycling community… it’s gratifying that the credit union recognizes its value to the community and shares our enthusiasm.”

The 2020 Manitoba Games will be held August 9 through 15 in Dauphin. Cycling events will take place over the first four days, with male and female competitions in U13 and U15 categories