Minnedosa Tribune
FLYIN’ HIGH
Squirrel Hills Trail Park was filled with excitement as the Prairie Mountain Cycling Association hosted the Squirrel Chaser MTB Race on Sunday, May 24. Minnedosa’s growing trail system served as the perfect backdrop for the race, which featured a full day of mountain bike events, including youth races for U7, U9, U11, U13, U15 and U17/U19 riders, followed by adult races in Expert, Comp and Sport categories. Watch for the full story in next week’s edition of the Tribune.
Local organizations receive Christmas Cheer funds
More than 20,000 families across rural Westman are set to benefit after the Brandon-Westman Christmas Cheer Registry received a $500,000 provincial donation targeting food insecurity in the region.
The funding, contributed by the Manitoba government through U.S. liquor sales, was received May 1, with MLA for Brandon East Glen
Simard acknowledged for his role in securing it. Since then, the Registry has distributed $275,000 among seven Brandon-area charities and $125,000 to 38 rural Christmas Cheer boards and food bank organizations across the Westman region.
The rural portion was divided based on the number of families each organization serves annually.
The Minnedosa & Area Food Bank received $4,341, serving 700 families, while the Minnedosa
Christmas Cheer Board received $496, serving 80 families.
Erickson & Area Food Bank received $10,543, serving 1,700 families. Erickson, Onanole & Sandy Lake Christmas Cheer received $248, serving 40 families.
Several organizations across the broader region also received funding. Birtle & Area Food Bank received $2,636, serving 425 families. Hamiota & District Christmas Cheer received $155, serving 25
families. Hamiota Food Bank received $1,799, serving 290 families. Miniota United Church Food Bank received $124, serving 20 families. Rivers Christmas Cheer received $279, serving 45 families. Rossburn & Area Food Bank received $2,884, serving 465 families. Russell & Area Food Connections received $4,403, serving 710 families. Shoal Lake & Area Food Bank received $2,915, serving 470 families. Virden & Area Food Cupboard received $6,202,
serving 1,000 families. Virden Christmas Cheer received $961, serving 155 families.
The Registry sourced its distribution list from its own records and a list of food banks provided by Prairie Mountain Health.
The funding comes at a critical time. Food bank usage across the region has been climbing steadily as grocery prices continue to rise, and for many families, these organizations are the last line of support.
PHOTO COURTESY OF SCOTT GWYER
RACHEAL FLINTOFT
Minnedosa Tribune