Fundraising efforts are common in the Portage la Prairie area, and Melissa Morrison, Executive Director at The Family Resource Centre (FRC) in Portage, in collaboration with Boston Pizza and the United Way in Central Plains, announced the total they had received from the Pizza Day held on September 18.
"Boston Pizza was able to donate back to us $1,302 from the Pizza Day, in support of the Family Resource Centre."
Morrison adds that the plan at the moment is to add another Pizza Day fundraiser in the spring and hopes to see all 500 pizzas sell out.
Boston Pizza in Portage's General Manager Bryon Hamilton says it's something they try to do frequently.
"We've done stuff with the Family Resource Centre; we've done stuff with Cancer Care. We do a lot of fundraisers throughout the summer with golf tournaments and stuff, so we try to be involved as much as we can in the community, and we offer lots of different fundraising options. We fundraise throughout the whole year," Hamilton continues. "We appreciate all the help we get in the community, the business community, the individuals who buy the pizzas, our heart campaign throughout February. We're just a vehicle for raising those funds, so anytime we can help out with any kind of charity aspect stuff, we love getting involved. We want to be a part of the community."
As for what's next for them, FRC will be leading a course that isn't offered often in the city.
"There's a babysitter course that happens on October 25. That's one that doesn't happen all the time, so it's a PD Day. So, if your kids are 12 and up and want to get their babysitting course, then they can contact us to sign up for that."
She adds that the organization is looking forward to taking part in the Portage Regional Library's Trick or Treat the following day on October 26.
Morrison also shares that we are into the season for the United Way's fundraising, which raises money specifically for organizations in Portage la Prairie, and that they are beneficiaries of those funds raised. She encourages anyone who wants to support local not-for-profits to donate through United Way in Central Plains.