The Executive Director of the Portage la Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce has just received recognition for her selfless contributions to the community.

Cindy McDonald became Co-Chair of the Portage Potato Festival in 2016 which will be celebrating 20 years in 2024. Portage la Prairie MLA Ian Wishart presented her to the Manitoba Legislative Assembly to honour her.

She shares her reaction to the recognition.

"It felt strange," says McDonald. "I felt that I didn't really deserve that, but I think a lot of people do what they do just because they're passionate about it. And that's how I feel. So, I thought it was strange, but it was also exciting. It was kind of fun to be recognized."

She notes she's put 12 years of effort into the Chamber and other community efforts, noting it's a humbling experience.

"It was a range of emotions of course, but yeah, it was awesome and I thank Ian for that honour," continues McDonald. 

McDonald adds her family went to the Legislative building in Winnipeg together and spoke with Wishart before they proceeded to the chambers.

"He just read out my bio, basically, and then everybody stood up and turned and clapped. It was kind of a strange feeling to have them all standing clapping for me," notes McDonald. "It's just a cool experience to have come with those ministers who recognize you and recognize what you do in the community. But it was funny when he said 12 years at the chamber. There was kind of like a 'woo' because that's a long time for a nonprofit definitely, and especially in the Chamber world."