As summer comes to a close, so does the weekly KPMG Taste of Summer Charity BBQ.
Each week throughout the season, a different local charity received support from the community event. While lunch was available for just a $2 donation, many gave much more.
This year, $44,256.31 was raised and shared among nine local organizations including Island Breeze, Soup’s On, Steinbach and Area Animal Rescue, Agape House, Headway, YFC Steinbach, Southeast Cancer Support Services, Southeast English and Literacy Services, and Eastman Special Olympics.
Each week brought in a unique crowd, along with regulars who came out to support every barbeque. The event’s success was also made possible by the many volunteers and sponsors who stepped up to help.
Penfor Construction was both a sponsor and a steady source of volunteers, with employees showing up week after week to lend a hand.
“Well, I can personally say I've never been a part of a company that has so many eager people to volunteer. Everyone is always so open to be a part of the community,” says Marketing Coordinator Montana Conrad.
She says their team loved taking part in the event.
“Every single volunteer that had come back from the Wednesday barbecues had so much fun, and it was so well organized. And every time everyone enjoyed the group they were with and the volunteers that were helping, and everyone was just so excited and happy to be part of it.”
Conrad explains that giving back is part of who Penfor Construction is.
“We could say that as a company and as individuals, that's really important to us. Especially being a company that is close to Steinbach, we really just want to make sure that we can be involved in whatever way helps our community.”
She says the amount raised is proof of the difference the barbeque makes.
“That is a number that I can bring back to our company and tell them and they can all be super proud. And I know because we have such an eager group here, they would say let's make that number bigger next year.”
A big thank you goes out to everyone who donated, and to the charities for the important work they do.
Thank you to the sponsors who make the KPMG Taste of Summer Charity BBQ possible:
Level Up Electrical
Friesen Drillers
Elite Redi Mix
Steinbach Credit Union
Sobeys
The Rental House
Detail & Glass Co
Relator Jennifer Plett
Pinawa Float & Paddle
Giant Tiger
GNM Fine Jewelers
Clearspring Animal Hospital
Penfor Construction
GPD Flat Roofing