News briefs

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 23/05/2017 (3224 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Swan Lake FN centre officially opens
Tenants at Swan Lake First Nations’ office and professional centre at 4820 Portage Ave. recently celebrated the building’s opening.

Twenty-three tenants are leasing space in the 53,899 square-foot, three-storey building.
Swan Lake FN special projects manager Bob Green said the building is fully leased. “We already have a waiting list for another building.”

Swan Lake FN owns 40 acres within the RM of Headingley, and operations manager Desmond Gould said he hopes that construction on another office building starts soon. Gould was speaking at an open house on May 17 held by second-floor tenant Southern First Nations Network of Care, a child and family services authority that oversees 10 agencies across Manitoba.

The open house also included a ceremonial prayer, drumming by a Roseau River drumming group and speeches by elders about the importance of helping Indigenous youth and their parents understand and celebrate their culture.

Green said the building features energy-efficient, motion-triggered lighting, high-quality insulation and other features designed to conserve energy.

Local family running for diabetes research
Six-year-old Drake Middleton, his mom Sanyelle, father John and younger brother Duncan will be busy this June.

Along with work, school and regular family activities, the Middletons, of La Salle, will be lacing up their runners for the annual Lace Up for Diabetes walk on June 4 in Assiniboine Park.
Sanyelle said she and Drake are trying the five kilometre run, while John and Duncan, 4, are planning to walk the five kilometres.

While she and John have participated in other charity runs, this one hits close to home as Drake was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes last year.

While Drake’s health is under control now, Sanyelle said it’s important to raise money for diabetes research as the disease affects so many people and it’s likely that a cure may discovered within Drake’s lifetime.

For more information on registering for the Lace Up for Diabetes Walk and to donate, see diabetes.ca/laceup

Bring your four-legged best friend to walk
You can get your daily dog walk in and raising money for a good cause at the annual PetValu Walk for Dog Guides.

This fundraiser sponsored by the Lions Clubs of Portage la Prairie, Oakville, MacGregor and the Portage La Prairie Lioness Club is being held in Portage la Prairie on Sun., June 4, from 9 a.m. until noon. The walk starts at the Lions Den on Island Park. The route is approximately four kilometers. Participants can enjoy a hot dog and refreshments after completing the walk.

The PetValu Walk for Dog Guides is a national fundraiser in support of the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides. Portage Lions member and project chairman Wilf Schellenberg said the club has been involved in the national project for about 20 years.

Donation forms are available at local pet food stores, veterinary offices, drug stores and other businesses in the Portage area. They are also available at www.walkfordogguides.com Donations may also be made online.

SFX campground opens
The Winnipeg West KOA campground, located at the junction of 588 Highway 1 and Jones Drive South in St. Francois Xavier, is now open for the 2017 summer camping season.

KOA has teamed with Keystone RV Company to offer a prize package through the ‘What’s Behind The Yellow Sign?’ giveaway. The grand prize winner will receive a 2017 Keystone Outback Travel Trailer valued at $28,000, as well as a $500 KOA gift card and $1,000 in cash.

The giveaway contest will run to May 31. Campers can enter daily by visiting www.BehindTheSignGiveaway.com or on the Kampgrounds of America, Inc. Facebook page.

— Staff