Jayme Giesbrecht

The Pembina Valley Local Immigration Partnership (PVLIP) is preparing to host its annual community event on Wednesday, February 5th, at St. Paul’s United Church in Morden. Elaine Burton-Saindon, Director of PVLIP, shared insights about the event and the organization’s mission. Burton-Saindon emphasized PVLIP’s unique role in fostering collaboration between community leaders and addressing barriers for newcomers in southern Manitoba.

The Pembina Valley Bible Camp is gearing up for its annual "Valley-Tines" banquet, a special two-night event designed to bring couples and friends together for an evening of delicious food, inspiring messages, and fun activities. 

Taking place on Thursday, February 13th, and Friday, February 14th, this event promises to be a memorable experience for all attendees.

The Pembina Valley Bible Camp is gearing up for its annual "Valley-Tines" banquet, a special two-night event designed to bring couples and friends together for an evening of delicious food, inspiring messages, and fun activities. Taking place on Thursday, February 13th, and Friday, February 14th, this event promises to be a memorable experience for all attendees.

Acclaimed Canadian musician Loreena McKennitt receives one of the highest honors in the country’s music industry this spring: induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. The live ceremony will take place on May 15, 2025, at Studio Bell in Calgary, Alberta. McKennitt joins an illustrious group of inductees that includes Alanis Morissette, Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen, and Shania Twain.

For Hilda Gerbrandt of Winkler, comfort food is about more than just taste; it’s about the memories it brings back. “The first time I had Sloppy Joes was at my friend’s birthday party,” Gerbrandt reminisced. “Growing up with traditional Mennonite dishes like potatoes and schmauntfat, my taste buds had never experienced anything like it.” That first bite was transformative. “It was so good. I skipped the games at the party just to wait for a second helping!”

In a recent act of kindness, the Garden Valley School Division (GVSD) donated 50 surplus desks to a school in Mexico. The desks, which were no longer needed in GVSD classrooms, found new life thanks to a simple request and a strong community connection.

Dan Ward, Superintendent of GVSD, explains that the donation came about through a straightforward inquiry. “Before Christmas, one of our schools received a query from a school in Mexico.” Ward shares. "A teacher was spending the year teaching at the Oaks of Righteousness, and they had reached out for help."

The Winkler Senior Centre is a vital part of the community, providing services and programs that cater to older adults and their families. With a strong focus on promoting wellness, education, and volunteerism, the Centre continues to be a place where seniors can connect, learn, and thrive. Barb Neufeld, Volunteer Coordinator, and Cathleen Bergen, Services for Seniors Resource Coordinator, highlight the many ways the Senior Centre supports the community.

The Pembina Valley Pregnancy Care Centre (PVPCC) continues to expand its outreach and support services to the community. Led by Linda Marek, Executive Director of PVPCC, the centre remains committed to offering practical and emotional support to individuals and families in times of crisis. With a series of new initiatives and partnerships, the PVPCC is preparing to make an even greater impact in 2025.

Adult & Teen Challenge is expanding its reach in the Pembina Valley, offering new programs to support individuals and families impacted by addiction. Representatives Pat Heinrichs and Steve Chaboyer share details about their latest initiatives, including the launch of the Ready Now Recovery women’s group in Winkler, expanded community-based services, and resources designed to meet people where they are on their recovery journey.

Pilot Mound gears up to host RME Women of the Rings Curling Championship

Pilot Mound, Manitoba, population 675, is set to make history as the smallest community ever to host a Provincial curling championship. From January 22nd to 26th, the RME Women of the Rings Curling Championship, formerly the Scotties Tournament of Hearts, will bring the Province’s top women’s teams to this small town’s unique curling facility.