A sizeable donation was presented last week to a recent Neepawa Kinsmen project by Portage's own Stride Credit Union.

CEO Brent Budz outlines the amount.

"Stride was very happy to contribute over $23,000 to a recent Kinsmen Club project called Kinsmen Kourts up in Neepawa," says Budz. "It's a beautiful new facility there that is definitely a much-welcomed addition to the Neepawa area. As you are aware, Stride is a very strong community partner, and we just felt that this was a great opportunity for us to give back to the community and see the progress that's happening in Neepawa."

Budz explains it's a senior living complex, and shares how their process of selection takes place.

"Stride does receive requests for funding on a regular basis, but we do review those requests and we try to match our giving to projects where the community is growing and investing," adds Budz. "This was definitely a much-needed project in the area and we're happy to be part of it."

He says the presentation officially took place this past Thursday.

"That project was completed and residents started to go into that facility," continues Budz. "We spoke with the organization about the needs that they had for their building and, primarily, a lot of the funds that we've given have gone into furnishings and outfitting some of the rooms in the facility -- communal rooms. So, we're just happy to be part of that and, again, just understand that that's part of our role as a credit union serving this area - to give back. And we're happy to do so."

Some of the furnishings funded by Stride Credit Union

Dana Menzies is executive director for Neepawa Kinsmen Kourts I and II, and explains how it all came about.

"We've been in talks with Stride for a while now, and they reached out to us and asked how they can contribute to our project," says Menzies. "They donated $23,742, and those funds went to furnish our guest suite which is a suite that we're offering out to families that live out of town. They can rent this suite just like a hotel room. That donation furnished that entire suite, and then we were able to purchase our boardroom table, chairs, and filing cabinet. And then, in our activity room, those donation dollars went to furnishing our couches, chairs, tables, our TVs, and things like that."

Menzies notes those donation dollars really helped to make their facility feel like a home.

"The beginning of the project started in 2017, and included a survey issued to the community to see what the needs were for housing," adds Menzies. "And then that survey, when it came back, showed that our community needed assisted living. So, that's how the project started. And as you can tell, it's now 2021. It did take some time, and then we did open up our doors as of November 1st for residents."

Artist's conceptual drawing of the complex

She notes Stride Credit Union gave the largest single donation made for the overall project to date. The overall cost was about $10 million.

"We just really appreciate it, and I appreciate how Stride really helps with communities, and we support local as well," says Menzies. "With those dollars, we did buy all furnishings from our local furniture store."