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Council Discusses Modifications to Local Facilities to Accommodate COVID-19 Restrictions Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

At the Tuesday, November 24th Martensville City Council meeting, several topics were discussed, with the first being the approval of committee appointments and dates for 2021 Council and Committee of the Whole meetings. Council also appointed Tyson Chillog as Deputy Mayor for a two-year term. This June, the Government of Canada announced the Safe Restart Program, in which Canada has provided $19.8 billion to provinces and territories, where the funds can be used within seven priority areas to help address critical needs over the next six to eight months. These funds can be used towards ensuring proper precautions are in place to help minimize the transmission of COVID-19. Through this funding, Martensville was provided with a single payment of $575,363. A discussion took place regarding a public health order from the Saskatchewan Health Authority that mandates all water fountains in all facilities be closed. Instead, water bottle filling stations are acceptable, as long as they are appropriately and frequently sanitized. City of Martensville staff has researched prices to have the water fountains at the Martensville Athletic Pavilion replaced with water bottle refilling stations. Several quotes have been obtained that include the supply and installation of the units. The lowest quote received at $11,660, will not be available to have the work done until February 2021. To have the installation done immediately would be at a cost of $21,600. Ted Schaeffer, Director of Recreation and Community Services, stated in his report to Council that, administration is proposing that funding for the initiative come from the Safe Restart funding and asked that they provide direction on what their preference for cost and timing to have this project completed would be.

Next, another item regarding COVID-19 modifications was discussed, this time at the Martensville Sports Centre. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the amount of spectators permitted at events within the Sports Centre has been reduced. Due to this, the City of Martensville has received requests from groups that a video streaming system be installed that would allow individuals to view activities at the rink through an online system. Initially, the City contacted Live Barn, a US company that provides this service to rinks. To do this, a dedicated internet line would be required, which would cost approximately $800/month. The City of Warman utilizes this service as well and in discussion with them, the City of Martensville was informed that; the service is not consistent, contacting Live Barn has been difficult, it took over a year for the equipment to be installed and a subscription to Live Barn is required by the end user. After hearing this, Martensville decided not to move forward with Live Barn and was then approached by local rink users who proposed a potential video streaming solution. In this new proposal the City of Martensville would be required to pay upfront equipment costs, subscription fees and future maintenance costs, but the system would be locally supplied and serviced and have no user fees for the end users. A proposal was provided to Council with an estimated cost of $9500; however, there is an option to have equipment worth approximately $2000 donated to this project. Schaeffer recommended that if approved, this project be funded through the Safe Restart Funding provided to Martensville from the Government of Canada.

Lions Club Donates to MFD Food Hamper Program Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

Each year, the Martensville Fire Department collects donations of non-perishable food items to be packaged and delivered to local families in need; however, due to COVID-19, this year, they will be doing things a little differently. Instead, the MFD is collecting cash, cheques and gift cards and donations will be used to purchase groceries and gifts for families. The Martensville & District Lions Club contributes to this program each year, and this year was no different. Doug Ward, Secretary of the local Lions Club presented a cheque for $1000 to James Taylor, President of the Firefighters Association of Martensville and organizer of this yearâ€™s Christmas Cheer campaign.

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Civic Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic- What You Should Know!

City Hall is Open, however with some guidelines currently in place. Continue to utilize online and contactless options when possible. Please do not visit City Hall if you are feeling unwell, experiencing flu-like symptoms or have been in contact with someone who is presumptive or tested positive for COVID-19. Residents and Customers are encouraged to carry out transactions electronically such as online banking, preauthorized payments or TIPPS. Cheques may also be dropped off in the drop slot at City Hall. The City had implemented a number of measures to assist property owners and businesses during the pandemic, including extending the Property Tax deadline from July 31st to October 30th. Property Taxes are now due with interest charges on overdue accounts now accruing. Stay Informed! -The City of Martensville has created a dedicated webpage to provide information, updates, and additional resources around the COVID-19 pandemic. This page is accessible through the homepage at Martensville.ca. Please continue to follow us, media sources and information from the Province of Saskatchewan for the most current information around updates or new measures for the prevention of the spread of COVID-19 Use of Masks are Mandatory in Saskatchewan - Effective Monday, November 16th, residents are required to wear non-medical masks in indoor public spaces to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. This is a Public Health Order and is subject to enforcement and fines. This is in place for 28 days at this time. Health officials strongly recommend wearing a non-medical mask anywhere outside the home. Current Status of Public Facilities as of November 20th Martensville Athletic Pavilion - Drop in and Pick-up programs are cancelled in accordance to changes in the Saskatchewan Re-Open Plan City Hall - Open North Ridge Centre - Open for Bookings with Provincial gathering guidelines Heritage Centre -Open for bookings with Provincial gathering guidelines Sports Centre - Open Wheatland Regional Library (located in the Civic Centre) - Open City Staff are available to work with the public via phone or email. Questions or inquiries can be directed to City Hall via phone (306-931-2166) or inquiry@martensville.ca during this time. After Hour Water and Sewer Emergencies - should still be directed through the Emergency line at City Hall, (306) 931-2166, ext.1.

December Council Meeting Dates

Please Note: The upcoming Council Schedule or location may be subject to change based around any potential new developments or ease of restrictions around the COVID-19 Pandemic. Anyone interested in attending is strongly encouraged to contact the City Clerk prior to planning to attend. Committee of the Whole - December 8th Regular Council Meeting - December 15th The Regular Council Meetings are located at Martensville City Hall Council Chambers in Martensville City Hall at 37 Centennial Dr. S. All meetings commence at 5PM. Those wishing to address or do a presentation to Council must be placed on the agenda. To be placed on the agenda please contact the City Clerk’s office at City Hall or visit the website for details. The full Council and Committee of the Whole Schedule can be obtained at martensville.ca.

Winter is Here and Snow Removal is Too – What You Need to Know

The Snow removal program aims to reduce hazards in the community, ensure roadways for emergency vehicles, and provide access for to goods and services in the community. Our crews strive to deliver excellent services, however sometimes weather can be unpredictable, and snow and ice control activities may vary. Every reasonable effort will be made to remove snow and ice and create safe driving and walking conditions in a timely manner. There are ways you can help to ensure to keep streets clear and safe - Do not shovel, blow, or push snow from private property onto the street – this causes snow ridges on your driveway when our plow cleans your street. - Do not plow or pile snow on streets or hydrants – this can block access to manholes, water valves and access to water in case of fire. - Clear your driveways in advance of the city’s snow clearing operations - this helps our operators clear your street more efficiently as well as more clearly see driveways to avoid ridging.

Protective Services - There are no changes in duty or status to Protective Services such as the RCMP, Martensville Fire Department, and Ambulance Service.

- Do not park your vehicle in an area where it could obstruct snow removal procedures. This hinders our operations and could result in a snow ridge blocking your vehicle in place.

Water and Sewer - These services remain unimpacted and unchanged, including water quality testing. Meter reading will continue to take place under the Read/Estimate schedule; however, staff will not be doing reads of meters located inside of homes or occupied buildings. In these cases, estimates will be taken or reads can be provided into City Hall. In respect to water and sewer emergencies, city staff may not be able to enter resident homes at this time and private contractors should be considered.

- Do not leave large piles of snow at the corners of driveways – this snow can be caught by a raised snow-gate blade and topple over into your driveway or the street.

Water Meter Read/Estimate Schedule - Normally the Read/Estimate Schedule that takes place from OctoberApril would be completed and the entire City would have water meter reads completed by City of Martensville Meter Readers. However due to the COVID-19 crisis, the Water Meter Read/Estimate schedule continues to be extended into foreseeable future Utility Accounts - Water service will not be discontinued due to non-payment or overdue account status. Garbage and Recycling - Services remain in place and on schedule with no anticipated service delays at this time. Organics collection has now closed for the season and will recommence in May 2021. Road Maintenance - will continue as required and is not expected to change at this time. Playgrounds and Sports Fields Playgrounds are currently open. Sports Fields have reopened but users should continue to follow activity guidelines as may be provided under the Provincial Re-Open plan. Trails and passive park spaces remain open for use, but we continue to urge residents to incorporate safe practices.

-Prevent snow from piling up on the front of your driveway by moving it near your tree/ lawn areas behind your walkway. -Watch for posted areas for Snow Removal- In case of snow and snow removal, crews need to have roads cleared of all vehicles on posted streets. If you are going out of the City over the holidays, please have your vehicles off City streets. Vehicles left on the street per the traffic bylaw are ticketed and towed (to a non-posted area). -Stay Clear of Sanding Trucks- Crews apply a mixture of salt and sand on our streets and intersections to ensure safer driving conditions. If you are near or behind the sanding truck you are reminded to stay back 15m to allow the truck to disperse materials and to prevent materials from potentially hitting your vehicle. Information on general program procedures and the City’s Priority Map is available online at Martensville.ca

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Paws Republic Prepares To Celebrate Eight Years in Martensville Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

This December will mark eight years since Paws Republic Centre for Pets opened their doors in Martensville. Recently undergoing a re-branding, Paws Republic has seen much growth throughout their time in the community. For owner/operator Kristine O’Brien, Paws Republic is a dream come true. From a young age, O’Brien had a passion for both people and animals alike and as she grew, the idea of opening a boarding and training centre became more and more of a focus. “I wanted a place where people could leave their pets knowing that they were comfortable and safe, but also a place people could

ABOVE: This October, Paws Republic Centre for Pets was the recipient of the Community Involvement Award at the virtual Warman, Martensville & Region Business Excellence Awards. (Submitted)

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use a resource and feel welcome themselves. The goal has always been to make lives better for people and their pets,” O’Brien said. After moving to Martensville with her husband, the community quickly became home and seemed like the perfect place to open up shop. Since that day, Paws Republic has seen much growth and offers a wide variety of services to the area with options such as; boarding, training, grooming, daycare, a small retail area and more. Details on the available services can be found online at www.pawsrepublic.ca. Additionally, Paws Republic is available as a safe place for stray animals, or animals at large can be taken that are found within the community. Training services are provided in a broad range from puppy training, all the way to seniors. Classes such as socializing, obedience, confidence building and more are offered; however, with COVID-19 a reality in our day to day lives, many of these options are now being offered virtually or in a one-on-one set-up. “We just had a rebranding, and with that, and with the unknowns in the world due to COVID-19, we thought it would be a good time to come out with a fresh look, not just for the business, but also for our training as well. We have officially branded ourselves as adaptive trainers, which means we are not set in any one way or style of training. We want to work with our clients and their pets to be able to adapt to their needs, their style, their comfort level and have it be a really positive experience for them,” O’Brien explained. Constantly looking for new options to provide to their clients was the driving force behind bringing a new activity not only to Martensville, but to Canada. As the first club in Canada to offer GRC Dog Sports, O’Brien is pleased with how successful the program has been. “GRC is based out of the idea that we need something for dogs that aren’t necessarily good at agility, or not great with other dogs and therefore can’t go to the dog park. These dogs still need an outlet in order to be biologically fulfilled and that’s what GRC provides.” To learn more about GRC Dog Sports, visit www.pawsrepublic.ca. As options began expanding, so did the need for additional space. Since opening, Paws Republic has been located at Bay 6 - 323 Centennial Drive South; and has been using a temporary secondary satellite location on Centennial Drive North. Next month, the secondary location that will be used for training purposes will be moving to a location on 9th Avenue. The new building will provide more space, which will allow for two classes and more opportunities for training.

This October, Paws Republic was awarded as the winner of the Community Involvement category at the annual Warman, Martensville & Region Business Excellence Awards. “Hearing our name announced really solidified for us that people are happy with what we are doing here. It was a really humbling experience and we are so grateful for all of the support from the community,” stated O’Brien. On Tuesday, November 24th, Paws Republic announced their newest initiative – ‘Adopt a Pet Family’. “This time of year is often stressful for people, and especially this year, so we wanted to come up with an idea to help support them during this time. Through this, we hope to alleviate some of that stress.” Through this, people can nominate pet families in need, provide donations or unopened/unused items, or provide a monetary donation that will be used to purchase items to be included in a hamper for the selected family/families. More information, and the nomination form can be found at www.pawsrepublic.ca/adoptapetfamily. The deadline for nominations is December 21 and items will be delivered prior to December 25. “We just want to help spread a little joy and offer a little something to someone in need.” For more information on Paws Republic Centre for Pets, visit www. pawsrepublic.ca, call (306) 934-7297 or visit them on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or YouTube. RIGHT: A goal of Kristine O’Brien’s from a young age was to provide a safe, comforable place for pets to be and this face proves that her dream was a success. BELOW: Recently, Paws Republic had a re-branding of their business. This rebranding led to a new image, a new name and new services being provided. (Images used are by Rogue Pet Photography)

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martensville messenger - NOVEMBER 26, 2020 - Page 7

Provincial Politics with

Murray Mandryk

Moe Caught Between Stopping COVID and Keeping Jobs The COVID-19 news has not been good and is likely soon to get worse. While it once took nearly two months to run up 500 cases in Saskatchewan, we are now hitting those numbers in a couple days and what’s quickly becoming even more problematic is contact tracing the source of outbreaks is becoming nearly impossible. It’s no longer a case of COVID-19 coming in from out-of-province of confining outbreaks in remote First Nations communities or in Hutterite communities. The coronavirus is in all corners and all communities, Premier Scott Moe acknowledged last week. What to do about it is a matter of varying opinion — opinion that now fluctuates even within communities and within interest and interest groups that maybe once held more consistent views on the coronavirus issue. Consider last week’s order making public mask wearing in this province mandatory everywhere — an order that came just four days after the province ordered mandatory mask-wearing in communities of 5,000 people and more (and many of the surrounding communities) that came less than a week after mandatory public mask wearing was ordered for just the three largest cities. Initially, opposing the wearing of masks — what many medical professions believe is the absolute least any government should do to stop the coronavirus spread — seemed to have much wider support. Certainly, the notion some still hold that it infringes on one’s personal freedom — a rallying cry seemingly borrowed from the U.S. and Donald Trump supporters — contained political overtones. And some anti-maskers seem to be still clinging on this notion as a political symbol. But as daily COVID-19 case counts climbed into the triple digits in Saskatchewan, anti-mask sentiment have quickly fallen out of favour among the vast majority. If this issue was ever a rural-versus-urban thing, that changed when COVID-19 case numbers per 100,000 in the three Prairie provinces surpassed that of Quebec and Ontario. Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) President Ray Orb stepped up and made it clear that the slight inconvenience of wearing masks everywhere was no big deal for rural people. Certainly, if masks mean the difference between shutting down the economy and not shutting down the economy, many people see them as well worth it; however, mask wearing seems to be a relatively easy choice for Moe compared with other measures recommended by the province’s doctors and health professionals. A rather somber Moe appeared before reporters last week along with Chief Medical Officer Dr. Saqib Shahab to announce not only that province wide mask order but also to announce that gatherings in private home would be restricted to five people instead of 10. It was also announced visits to long-term care facilities and personal care homes — 20 of which have COVID-19 cases — would be suspended except for extreme compassionate reasons; however, what might have been most surprising is what wasn’t announced — further restrictions on gatherings in churches, casinos, bingo halls, sporting events, bars and restaurants (although their service hours for alcohol was cut a few days earlier). All such venues have been involved in “super spreader” events that Moe and Shabab acknowledges are one big reason why COVID-19 is everywhere in the province. For Moe and his Sask. Party government, the line in the sand is to avoid a complete lockdown like we are seeing in neighbouring Manitoba. “This is not a lockdown,” Moe said. “This is a slowdown, a significant one-month slowdown.” Moe then mentioned something he avoided talking about during last month’s election when he campaigned on a strong economy — that 15,000 of the 70,000 shed in the initial March lockdown had not comeback. For now, Moe is opting to save jobs in Saskatchewan and hoping his incremental measures to fight COVID-19 will get us through the second wave. It is clearly a gamble.

Martensville Businesses Take Initiative During Pandemic Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger

With COVID-19 cases on the rise within Saskatchewan, Martensville has also seen an influx in local cases. Due to this, many businesses within the community have taken it upon themselves to make modifications to their procedures to help prevent transmission. One example of this is Soul Power Fitness Studio, who has chosen to temporarily close down their studio, with their last day of in-studio classes being held November 21. Effective December 5, SoulPower Fitness will be closing down for a one month period, opening again on January 6. Owner/operator Rochelle Wotherspoon commented that, “Covid has gotten very close to home here very quickly afflicting friends and family, it breaks my heart. It does not feel right to be open for gathering at this time with this amount of local cases. We will continue to gather for our sweat and yoga sessions virtually at this moment.” Meagan Barabash, owner of Bravo Dance Co. (BDC) in Martensville has suspended in-person classes for two weeks as of November 15. As per the BDC Facebook page, Barabash stated, “Although we have not had any studio transmission, we want to ensure we are a part of the solution, not the problem. Our sincerest hope is that our community will pull together and remember that we’re all in this together. Our actions impact others in a very large way.” They continue to run some classes virtually during this time. Effective Monday, November 16, Phobia Auto Care decided to go back to no contact service indefinitely due to the rising cases of COVID-19. When asked what made them decide to go contactless again, owner Steve Cusson stated, “I chose to close the doors to keep my staff happy, healthy and safe. Going to a contactless system has been working perfectly with a smooth transition. The clients call, book the appointment, and drop the keys through the key drop. Afterwards the clients can call to pay over the phone or e-transfer. From there we arrange a key location for pick up.” Also, if debit is the only option they ask that you let the front desk know so they can discuss other payment options. Another automotive repair shop in Martensville, Read Automotive, has gone back to contactless service as well. Owner Trevor Read stated that, “Our concern is always first and foremost the safety of our staff and clients. We are trying our best to adapt to this situation and have found our clients are appreciative of our efforts. Going contactless hasn't interrupted our service. We, like everyone else, want to see things return to normal and are committed to doing our part.” The Medicine Shoppe in Martensville has also decided to make changes to reduce in-person contact and therefore announced that they will be stopping flu shots temporarily due to the recent spike in COVID cases within the community. Another local business that has made some changes is Lakeview Insurance, who will now be allowing two customers in the office at a time, while maintaining a two metre distance requirement. They are asking people to wait in their vehicles until one person leaves and then to give employees a minute to clean and sanitize their work station before entering the building. Sanitizing is being done between each customer and throughout the day. This is just an example of how our businesses are stepping up for the community, and there are many more of our local businesses that are taking incredible precautions to help protect their staff and customers during this time. It is important to remember that these are the businesses that fuel our economy so as they continue to show their support to Martensville and the surrounding area, we, as a community, support them in return. Many businesses are offering curbside options or contactless service, have increased sanitization procedures and will provide a mask for those that do not have one. Be sure to ask questions if you are uncertain about precautions that are in place and take a moment to thank those that are working hard to keep everyone safe. We truly are all in this together.

Local Kinette Club Looking For Adopt-aFamily Nominations Submitted

The Martensville and District Kinettes are trying something new this year. In the spirit of Christmas and considering the pandemic we want to help two families who may be struggling financially this year. As a club we have decided to adopt two families. One will be from Martensville and one will be from a surrounding community. We are asking for nominations of families you believe would benefit from our help. We are looking for a family with children to buy some presents for and supply a Christmas supper. We have made it very easy to nominate a family; simply click on the link on the ‘Martensville and District Kinette Club’ Facebook page and answer a few questions. A huge thank you to Soul Power for putting on a fund raiser of three different classes with all proceeds going to our Adopt a Family campaign. The community support has been overwhelming and so greatly appreciated. We are going to be able to make someone’s Christmas a little brighter this year. All we need now is some families to help. So please nominate a family you think could benefit from our help!

Letter to the Editor

The Martensville Messenger welcomes letters to the editor for publication. Letters must be signed and a phone number and/or email address included so the writer’s identity can be verified. ALL letters are the opinion of the writer and NOT the Martensville Messenger. We reserve the right to edit letters for length, clarity or compliance with the current standards of public taste. Submit your letter to news@ martensvillemessenger.ca or mail to Box 333 - Martensville, SK S0K 2T0.

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Sask Health Authority Announces New Self-Isolation Protocols in Schools Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

Last week, the Saskatchewan Health Authority made an announcement that due to rising COVID-19 cases, they are unable to complete contact tracing in a classroom; therefore effective immediately, if a positive case is identified within a classroom, all students in that class will self-isolate. According to a November 20 letter to families from Prairie Spirit School Division, “The SHA will communicate the length of the self-isolation for those in the class. Moving students directly into selfisolation is a new strategy designed to keep everyone safe.” The letter continued to state that the new process may require children to be directed to selfisolate with very short notice. “As a result, it is important to families to be prepared with a plan for their child in this situation.” On November 22, Prairie Spirit School Division announced a positive case of COVID-19 in an individual at Valley Manor Elementary School in Martensville. “We all have a shared responsibility to decrease the risk of COVID-19 entering schools. Our school plans contain many important measures, processes and protocols which add layers of protection for students and staff,” PSSD Communication Manager Brenda Erickson, stated in an email. Students and families are reminded to be diligent in performing the daily health screening, stay home if ill, call HealthLine 811 if exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms, practice proper hand hygiene, maintain physical distancing as much as possible, wear a mask when appropriate, and do everything we can to keep each other safe. On November 20 and 21, the SHA notified the Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools of a positive case of COVID-19 in an individual at various schools, including École Holy Mary Catholic School in Martensville. The notice provided stated that risk of exposure for anyone not considered a close contact remains low. Affected classrooms or cohorts within the schools with a positive case switched to online instruction starting November 23. “With the increased number of positive COVID-19 cases in Saskatchewan—and in particular in the Saskatoon region—it is becoming increasingly important that we all follow health measures to decrease both the spread of COVID-19 in our communities and the risk of it entering schools. Students and families are reminded to be diligent in performing the daily health Packages available, screening, stay home if youCustom are ill, Window call HealthLine 811 Custom Window LabourPackages Included! available, Labour Included! if you are exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms, practice Custom Window Packages available, Custom Window Packages available, Come see us forLabour yourIncluded! hardware, Labour Included! proper hand hygiene, maintain physical distancing as Come see uspaint for your hardware, building, and supply needs. Come see us for your needs. hardware, building, paint supply Come see and usappropriate, for your hardware, much as possible, wear a mask when andneeds. and paint supply Garage, Deckbuilding, & Fence packages also building, and paint supply needs. Deck & Fence packages also available Garage, Deck & Fence packages also do all we can to keep each Garage, other safe,” Derrick Kunz, available Garage, Deck & available Fence packages also Communications Consultant with Greater Saskatoon available Catholic Schools, stated. The Saskatchewan Safe Schools Plan consists of four phases of education delivery, which include: • Level 1 – Full in-class learning with some additional measures to ensure student and staff safety. • Level 2 – Full in-class learning – Mask usage for students and staff, as per the guidance provided to school divisions by Saskatchewan's Chief Medical Health Officer. • Level 3 – Reduced in-class learning. • Level 4 – Transition to alternative learning opportunities offered by divisions. Following a number of positive COVID-19 cases within Martensville High School, there was a temporary switch to Level 4 for approximately two weeks, and as of November 23, the school was moving to Level 3, which will continue until at least the Christmas break. For more information on the Saskatchewan Safe Schools Plan, visit www.saskachewan.ca

Great Plains College Promotes ‘Give Where You Live’ Campaign

Great Plains College is encouraging individuals, businesses, organizations and municipalities to participate in “GivingTuesday” on December 1, which is recognized across North America as the start of the giving season. The college’s theme for this year’s recognition day is “Give Where You Live” and they are asking everyone to consider the many benefits of donating to the student scholarship program across its seven campuses and program centres. “Give Where You Live” was selected as the college’s theme to encourage individuals and others to give back to their local community and invest in the college’s students who will become our communities’ leaders for the future. Finances raised from this initiative will go directly towards entrance scholarships (ranging from $500-$5,000) and early entrance awards ($1,000 to Grade 11 students) for incoming students enrolled in full-time student loaneligible programs at the college’s seven locations in Biggar, Kindersley, Maple Creek, Martensville, Rosetown, Swift Current and Warman. “During the current academic year, approximately $216,000 will be provided to over 170 students in scholarships and awards,” commented Dianne Sletten, donor services coordinator for Great Plains College. “We express our sincere gratitude to the many sponsors and donors across our communities who have chosen to invest in our students in the past, and we are hopeful that this spirit of giving will continue into the future so that we can continue supporting our students’ educational goals.”

Sletten added that locally-raised donations have a doubly beneficial effect as the dollars are matched to a maximum amount through the Saskatchewan Innovation and Opportunity Scholarship program. “This program recognizes local community investment and provides additional funding to benefit the scholarship opportunities for students.” Contributions and donations of all sizes and amounts provide a benefit to the college’s scholarship program – no matter how big or small, they all make a difference in a student’s life. The college automatically provides a charitable tax receipt for any donation amount of $20 or higher. If you are interested in playing a positive role in a student's education, the college encourages you to “Give Where You Live” on December 1 by donating online at greatplainscollege.ca/donate, or directly contacting Dianne Sletten at development@greatplainscollege.ca or at 306778-5456. Additional information on Great Plains College’s entrance scholarship program, early admission awards, other external awards and application deadlines can be found by visiting greatplainscollege.ca/scholarships. GivingTuesday was launched in Canada in 2013 by CanadaHelps.org and GIV3. It is a marked day for the entire charitable sector and encourages all Canadians to join the movement in giving and volunteering for causes of their choice. The day was originally founded in the United States in partnership with the United Nations Foundation.

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