Although it was a cold night in Portage la Prairie on Tuesday, that didn't stop the Portage la Prairie Community Revitalization Corporation (PCRC) from bringing some warmth to the city with their Annual General Meeting.

The meeting took place at the MNP Exhibition Administration Building and was well attended by various community members and highlighted the PCRC's annual report from April 1st, 2021, to March 31st of, 2022.

James Kostuchuk, the Board Chair for the PCRC, explains that he hopes people know that the not-for-profit works with the community to build community.

"There's an optimism in our organization. We're making a difference and things are improving in Portage Prairie. When we look at the success of things like the indigenous vaccination clinic or our attempts to address homelessness in a meaningful way and house people, those are things that our community can be proud of."

Kostuchuk, who moved to Portage 30 years ago, says that in the seven years he has been a part of the organization, he believes they have grown ten-fold.

"I think what is most important to me is that the money that we get from whatever sources of revenue that we have is going back into our community, either salaries or we're spending our money locally, and I think that's really important for people to know."

The Chair of the Board notes that the feeling of the AGM was one of a house party.

"I think there was a lot of solidarity shown in the room, and I really appreciate that," says Kostuchuk.

Anita Janzen-Gemmell, a partner with BDO Canada, conducted an audit for the PCRC and shared during the meeting that everything appears to be in order as far as expenses go.

"You can tell that whatever grants that they apply for and bring in, that they're, spending the money and getting it out into the community, as that's the point."

Janzen-Gemmell adds that it was really enjoyable to be a part of the meeting and get to see how many projects the PCRC takes on to better the community.

Mari Lawrence, Executive Director, also chatted with PortageOnline after the event, highlighting that she is proud of all the hard work the PCRC has done.

Lawrence, who moved into the Executive Director role in August, says she is excited to lead the organization.

"We have a great group of staff and a strong board."

Lawrence notes the PCRC is always looking to fill more gaps in the community and do what they do even better.