Jayme Giesbrecht

Get ready for a heartwarming evening of food, fun, and community support. Salem Home’s much-loved BBQ Fundraiser is back on Wednesday May 28th, and you’re invited to gather for a cause that truly hits close to home. Hosted by the dedicated Ladies Auxiliary, this annual event raises funds to enhance Salem Park, a beautiful green space that gives residents a breath of fresh air, a spot to connect with loved ones, and a peaceful place to simply be. From the famous baked beans to burgers, this BBQ promises comfort food with a purpose—every plate helps make Salem feel even more like home.

Winkler Bible Camp is nearly booked solid for summer 2025, with over 1,500 campers registered just hours after opening. With only a few spots left and new facilities ready to welcome guests, Camp Director Dale Wiebe says the season is shaping up to be one of their biggest yet.

“Some of the best stories we hear come from kids who arrive without friends and leave with lifelong memories,” - Dale Wiebe, Director at Winkler Bible Camp. 

JUNO-nominated Winnipeg-based artist Don Amero has built his career on honesty, heart, and the power of storytelling. In his latest collection of songs, Amero shares deeply personal stories—of grief, faith, fatherhood, and the search for peace in a noisy world.

Two young entrepreneurs from Morden are putting a modern twist on a timeless treat—and drawing crowds in the process. Brothers Eli and Gavin Hildebrand have launched Swirl & Twirl Cotton Candy Co., a family-run business that’s gaining popularity across southern Manitoba for its fluffy, flavour-packed cotton candy.

The South Central Cancer Resource (SCCR) Fashion Show returned Thursday night—bigger and more impactful than ever. Hosted at the Meridian Exhibition Centre in Winkler, the event drew nearly 500 attendees, offering an expanded space to match the growing support for this annual tradition. While fundraising totals are still being finalized, early signs suggest this will serve as a profitable event for the ongoing efforts of SCCR. 

May Long Weekend is here — the unofficial kick-off to summer. And while the forecast is calling for cooler temps and a bit of rain across the Pembina Valley, that’s not stopping anyone from making the most of it.

We hit the streets to ask you what your long weekend plans are — rain or shine. Some are still heading to the lake, others are planning cozy movie marathons, taking part in local events, and some have cancelled their initial plans due to weather. (understandably). 

At Winkler MCC Thrift, it’s more than just shelves of gently used treasures—it’s a place where community, generosity, and unexpected stories intersect every day. Longtime volunteer Al Ens has seen it all, from a group of young hockey fans seeking white wedding dresses for a Winnipeg Jets Whiteout celebration, to rare finds that do very well in the silent auction. Through it all, one thing remains constant: the heart of the operation is people—those who give, shop, and volunteer.

The Food for All fundraiser wrapped up this week with its final stop at Gardenland Co-op in Winkler, where the community once again showed up in a big way. The event, presented by Rede-Made Noodles and supported by local business sponsors, brought in a total of $5,853.13 in support of the Winkler & District Food Cupboard.

Round 2 of the NHL Playoffs has begun, and with it, the PV Cup competition intensifies! Sixteen local businesses were paired with the NHL playoff teams, and now, only eight remain in the hunt for the PV Cup. The winning business will not only hoist our Stanley Cup replica for a year but also receive 150 FREE radio commercials, while the runner-up earns 100 free commercials.

This Thursday, May 8th, McDonald's restaurants in Winkler and Morden will once again participate in McHappy Day, a nationwide initiative supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Canada. No matter what you order at McDonald's on Thursday, a portion of proceeds from every menu item sold—whether in-restaurant, at the drive-thru, or through McDelivery—will benefit RMHC Manitoba, which provides accommodations, meals, and support to families with children with complex medical needs.