Laurier Community Centre is getting a big helping hand thanks to a local farm family’s winning photo.
Charlene Saquet of Laurier, located about 45 minutes north of Neepawa, has been named Manitoba’s winner of Lallemand Plant Care’s 2026 Hometown Roots Contest. Her victory comes with a $5,000 donation for the Laurier Community Centre, a volunteer-run facility that serves as a gathering place for residents.
Saquet, whose family farm has operated for three generations, submitted a photo featuring a moment in the field with her young son. As the provincial winner, she was able to direct the donation to a local organization of her choice.
“This donation will help keep the community centre open and in good shape, which is very exciting,” said Saquet. “It’s all volunteer-run, and the fundraisers the hall does go towards paying monthly bills, maintenance, and repairs.”
The funding will help support the centre’s next renovation project, including exterior insulation and new siding. Saquet says securing money for major upgrades can be difficult in smaller rural communities, making the contribution especially valuable.
Lallemand Plant Care says the Hometown Roots Contest is designed to celebrate the connection between agriculture and rural life while supporting local organizations. Since launching in 2021, the contest has recognized 34 winners and provided $170,000 in donations to community groups across Canada and the United States.
This year’s contest awarded one $5,000 donation in each of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
More information is available through the Hometown Roots Contest website.
