Vermilion Scotiabank Celebrates 50 Years

Reporter

Scotiabank in Vermilion celebrated its 50th anniversary on May 12 with a customer appreciation event and book sale. Attendees could purchase BBQ’d hotdogs, hamburgers, and cheeseburgers, with all proceeds going to the FOCUS Society.

The event, which was held at the bank’s branch located at 5037 50th Avenue, also featured a book sale where visitors could peruse a selection of novels for purchase.

In addition, attendees had the chance to enter a raffle for a gift basket, three books titled ‘The Hockey Jersey’ and two blue tooth speakers.

The celebration was well-attended, with many community members showing up to enjoy the festivities.

“Vermilion Scotiabank is proud to be a part of this community for 50 years and we enjoyed celebrating with our customers while raising funds for a local organization. We want to thank everyone who joined us for our BBQ and celebration.

Thank you to Focus Society for helping make this event a success, to Pentacon Utility Services Inc. for use of the BBQ, J6 Baking for the cupcakes, and to the Ag society for the tables and chairs,” said Vermilion Scotiabank Branch Manager Barb Rozka.

Along with the BBQ and book sale, the bank also offered complimentary cupcakes, coffee, and ice tea to attendees. The event was a great opportunity for community members to come together and celebrate Scotiabank’s long-standing presence in Vermilion.

As part of their commitment to giving back to the community, Scotia Bank has supported various charitable organizations over the years, including the FOCUS Society, which provides programs and services for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

The bank’s 50th-anniversary celebration was a testament to their continued dedication to the community and their customers, as they raised approximately $1,800 for the FOCUS Society.

Annual Mental Health Art Gala

Angela Mouly Reporter

Vermilion Is Being Empowered (VIBE) hosted their 9th Annual Mental Health Art Gala at the Vermilion Regional Centre on May 10. This year’s theme was, ‘The Great Outdoors,’ and families had fun participating in activities like building a kite, or decorating a football, Frisbee, or plant pot.

There were 918 pieces of children’s art on display from surrounding communities and program manager Pat Calyniuk said, “It was a successful evening. A big thank you to all the volunteers including Battalion 26 from Lakeland College. They had over 20 volunteers and were extremely helpful.”

Outside the event, some of the Lakeland College Emergency Services Technician (EST) students volunteered to show the fire truck to children.

“The children love the fire truck and get so excited; it’s so cute,” said Elizabeth Meisner.

Saturday, May 27 8:30am - 2:00PM

Spring cleanup is well underway and it’s the perfect time for the multi-vendor indoor garage sale at the Servus Sports Centre! Shopping starts at 8:30 a.m. and there is no charge for the public to attend. Don’t miss out on these bargains and please remember to bring a shopping bag, or two.

“We have to look at mental health in every aspect; being under a lot of stress as students as well as on the job. With the things you see, you need to be able to take care of yourself,” said Zach Deck.

For perspective, these students were part of the group that just returned from supporting emergency efforts in Entwistle, where they rotated 12 hour shifts.

“For me it was the first time really even seeing fire out in the open, and it was pretty cool to have a chance to help the community,” added Meisner. As for the art gala, there were 525 attendees, and many were enamoured with the different styles of artwork and creativity surrounding mental health. Leanne Smith said, “We began coming when we moved here five years ago. It’s a nice event; a super fun way to get together as a community. The children get to see their friends, do crafts and activities and have a great time. It’s a special night out.”

Angela Mouly Reporter

The Vermilion Rotary Club is excited to be hosting their 6th Annual Canada Flag Project for each long weekend of May, July, August, and September.

Beginning in 2017 and a way to celebrate Canada 150, the project carried on as a way to celebrate a shared national pride, and has come to be an expected sight in the community throughout the summer.

Vermilion Rotary Club President and project chair, Erwin Warkentin said the funds support Rotary projects and generally stay local.

“For example we have committed to helping with the Senior’s Centre floor, and have supported youth sports such as minor ball, hockey or curling. We provide