Sunrise Credit Union is investing directly back into Westman communities once again, announcing $53,500 in funding through the Spring intake of its Building Community Grant program. The program, which supports local projects in three categories — Facilities Construction or Improvement, Individual and Community Wellbeing, and Arts, Culture & Sport — saw its largest response to date.
A total of 88 applications were submitted this spring, requesting more than $1.6 million in combined funding. After a detailed review process, five projects were selected.
“This spring’s intake was our largest to date,” said Tim Klassen, President & CEO of Sunrise Credit Union. “The overwhelming response reflects the passion, innovation, and growing needs within the communities we serve. Every applicant demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to making a difference, which made the selection process especially difficult.”
Under the Arts, Culture & Sport category, Treherne Minor Athletics will receive $10,000 to replace its aging 40‑year‑old rink boards, which have deteriorated to the point of creating safety concerns for players and spectators.
In the Individual and Community Wellness category, the Minnedosa Regional Health Foundation has been awarded $20,000 to purchase new surgical equipment. The upgrades will allow visiting specialists to perform more procedures per day, helping more patients receive care closer to home.
The Cypress River Fire Department will receive $3,500 to purchase new turnout gear — essential protective equipment for frontline emergency response.
Two projects were selected under the Facilities Construction or Improvement Capital Grant category. The Laurier Community Centre will receive $15,000 to replace metal siding and add exterior insulation, extending the life of the community’s only large‑capacity gathering space. Meanwhile, Hartney Sprouts Daycare has been awarded $5,000 toward installing a new play structure at its soon‑to‑open centre, which will add 63 new childcare spaces for the community.
Since launching in Fall 2023, the Building Community Grant Program has supported 26 projects with more than $261,598 in funding.
The next intake period runs October 1–31, 2026, and previously unsuccessful applicants remain eligible to reapply.
