Fort La Reine Museum and the Portage Plains United Way have each received a donation of $405 from the Portage Chamber of Commerce.

The Chamber held a 130th anniversary barbecue in July and decided to donate the $810 of proceeds to local non-profits, Chamber Executive Director Cindy McDonald explains.

"We thought 'what a great idea to donate to Fort La Reine' because we were here at Fort La Reine celebrating our 130th. We decided also that it would be a good idea to split it amongst Portage Plains United Way because they help so many different agencies in our community and affect so many [people]. So we thought 'you know what, we don't get a chance otherwise to donate to charities, this would be a perfect opportunity.'"

McDonald adds they can't thank Sobeys enough for their contributions to the barbecue, noting it was because of them they were able to make this donation.

Executive Director of Fort La Reine Museum Tracey Turner says she plans to apply the funds toward the 2017 season's programs. She explains the importance of the donation to the museum.

"Having community contributions like this are really, really important to the museum being able to do really exciting things and make the museum a happening place for the community. So we're very excited at the Fort La Reine Museum to receive this contribution."

Portage Plains United Way Executive Director Mandy Dubois calls the donation a win-win situation for the United Way as they not only received the donation but also received exposure from helping out at the event.