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)
