The first Taste of Summer Charity Barbecue of 2025 supported local charity Island Breeze in their quest to bring an international conference to Steinbach.
Isi Masi with Island Breeze says the $1951.60 raised by this event is going to be extremely helpful.
“It is going specifically towards our international conference happening in two weeks. So that is going to help tremendously in our running costs for that.”
Masi explains that they are privileged to hold the conference locally.
“We, as Island Breeze have locations around the World, Hawaii, South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Philippines. And so we have some people from those locations coming over. We do this every two years, and we're privileged to host this in Canada.”
Seeing the community support was encouraging. Masi says “We've been here for 16 years. It's always been fun to know that the community has your back, and that means a lot and people are always very giving in in Steinbach and surrounding areas so it’s very, very meaningful.”
Island Breeze was grateful for the event, and Masi was excited for the rest of the summer.
“It's great to see even other charities that were here, and Steinbach is just that community. And for many people, they came and paid way more than $2.00 for a hot dog. We are so appreciative of that and very thankful.”
One donation specifically went above and beyond. Steinbach Toyota came to the Barbeque with a $500 check in hand.
“Dom from Steinbach Toyota came by and you know, they support a lot of charities and just came by, gave a check of $500. I didn't even see him walk away with a hot dog. So that was like, I guess, a tip. Pretty big tip!”
Folks who stopped for lunch enjoyed some Island Breeze music which set the tone for the event.
Masi says that he never knew music would become such a huge part of his life.
“I've grown up listening to music and didn't know how well it would fit with Island Breeze, especially as, you know, with radio, music is a universal language, and it opens doors that are sometimes not usually there.”
Music is not the only way Island Breeze creates connections; Masi says sports are also a large part of what they do.
“Rugby has now been a big component for what I do and what also Island Breeze does and it's just creating those communities where you are able to reach some people that you are not able to reach normally.”
@steinbach_online Head down to Taste of Summer Charity BBQ NOW! We will be here every Wednesday this summer from 11-1!!
♬ Summer - Wiliam Show
Stop by our next Taste of Summer Charity BBQ on Wednesday from 11 am -1 pm to support more local charities.
To see photos of the event, check our gallery below: