Co-op members and customers recently rallied together to make an influential mark in the community.
On September 17, Homestead Co-op generously donated $3,500 each to Carman's Clearwater Memorial Playground Project, Visions of Independence, and the Portage Friendship Centre's Tools for School Program in partnership with the local United Way and the Portage la Prairie School Division, totalling $10,500 as part of Fuel Good Day.
Homestead Co-op donated 10 cents from every litre of gasoline and diesel purchased at gas bars that day. Shannon Vaughan, Marketing and Communications Manager with Homestead Co-op, expressed her gratitude to the community for their collective support that made a significant impact on three great causes.
"That's actually our highest total in recent years. We were very happy with that. It all went really well," she continued. "When you support Co-op, you're supporting local. All of our profits stay local, and we handed out almost $150,000 last year to local community groups in all of our communities."
In collaboration with the Town of Carman, Carman Wellness Connections, Boyne River Keepers, and Communities in Bloom, the Carman and Community Chamber of Commerce are working on the Clearwater Memorial Playground Project with the money from Fuel Good Day. The project aims to create a wheelchair-accessible playground to provide a safe space for all children in the Carman community.
The Portage Friendship Centre will use the proceeds from Fuel Good Day to contribute to the Tools for School Program. The Friendship Centre has teamed up with the United Way and collaborated with the Portage la Prairie School Division to identify gaps and needs within schools, ensuring that children have the necessary "tools for school" to succeed each year.
Visions of Independence offers independent living programs and will use the proceeds from Fuel Good Day to support efforts to enhance opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities and their staff to participate in community activities in Austin, Carman, Portage la Prairie, St. Claude, and Winnipeg.
"As we celebrate another Fuel Good Day, we're reminded of the impact that collective generosity can make. Every litre of fuel purchased on this day contributes to strengthening the essential work of local charities and working groups that play such a vital role in our community," noted Trent Schidlowsky, General Manager of Homestead Co-op. "We are honoured to stand with these organizations, helping to bring positive change and support to those who need it most. A heartfelt thank you to our members, customers, and partners for your continued dedication and generosity. Together, we are enhancing community life."
"We're already looking forward to Fuel Good Day next year," said Vaughan. "If groups were wondering how to apply to be a part of Fuel Good Day, remember that applications are accepted through the Homestead Co-op website during the month of May."
Last year, Co-op members and customers across Western Canada raised over $645,000 for more than 168 local organizations and causes because of Fuel Good Day.