Since early spring, Sunrise Credit Union staff in each of their 19 branches held a total of 26 events, this in partnership with their local community groups, raising a total of $27,893.89 for local projects.
President and CEO, Tim Klassen, says the money raised from these events is a testament to the unity and involvement of their communities and the value they place on their community support.
"We are incredibly fortunate to be able to support local organizations that do so much for our communities," shares Klassen, "We applaud the time and effort by our staff to hold these fundraising events and to the members of their various communities for supporting these initiatives."
Sunrise Credit Union contributes more than $325,000 annually toward community donations, sponsorships and scholarships and looks forward to helping more community organizations through additional branch fundraising throughout the year.
"This is really about our employees at all of our 19 branches, and our employees' support for their communities," he explains. "They put these events together, whether it's a BBQ or some other type of a fundraiser. This is what our people do on their own to support their communities and of course, Sunrise supports all of that."
"We are so excited that they were able to raise close to $28,000 for all these different projects. Whether it's a food bank in a community, or it's a program for swimming. I find this is really impressive to me."
Below is a breakdown of funds raised and the organizations that benefited from this summer's fundraisers:
Organization Benefitting (Branch) and Dollar Amount Raised:
- Minnedosa Museum & Heritage Village (Minnedosa) $252
- Ste. Rose Fitness Center (Ste. Rose) $1,100
- Parkland Humane Society (Grandview) $1,390
- Canada Day Committee (Minnedosa) $300
- Holland Elementary School Breakfast Program (Holland) $1,850.35
- Baldur Care Home (BBQ & Raffle) (Baldur) $3,290.24
- Cypress River Memorial Hall Renovations (Cypress River) $1,832.50
- Deloraine Minor Ball Association (Deloraine) $1,800
- Waskada Community Foods (BBQ) (Waskada) $1,200
- Waskada Lions Club (Raffle) (Waskada) $1,730
- Hartney Fair Grounds (Hartney) $2,000
- Erickson & Area Food Bank (Sandy Lake) $393.80
- Sandy Lake Swim Program (Sandy Lake) $465
- Fun Fest Committee (Minnedosa) $283
- Boissevain School Playground Project (Boissevain)* $914 (in conjunction with Boundary Co-op)
- Virden Costume Closet (Virden) $2,000
- Treherne Aquatic Centre -Swim Day (Treherne) $684
- Strathclair Fire Department (Strathclair) $1,004
- Melita Fire Department (Melita) $2,000
- Oakburn Community Hall (Shoal Lake) $1,005
- Minnedosa Youth Drop-In Centre (Minnedosa) $512
- Pipestone Memorial Park -Meat Draw (Reston) $377.60
- Pipestone Fun Days -Meat Draw (Reston) $377.60
- Seniors Helping Hands -Meat Draw (Reston) $377.60
- Reston Willowview Palliative Care -Meat Draw (Reston) $377.60
- 2025 Pipestone Homecoming -Meat Draw (Reston) $377.60
"I'm really pleased with all the work that's been done this year," adds Klassen. "And they do it every year! It's just something that they do. They take a day every year and they work towards putting on a fun event that includes all the community."
Please listen to more with Tim Klassen below.
(photo credit Sunrise Credit Union)
Minnedosa BBQ: Jeanette Hay
Waskada BBQ L to R: – Tenille Minne-Saltel, Charlie Lee, Leanne Hannah-Kehler
Grandview BBQ – Dakota Burton
Holland BBQ – Tara Hilhorst