The William Glesby Centre was filled with Ukrainians and Portagers earlier this month when they celebrated Malanka, a Ukranian New Year celebration.

Mitch Tilk, the local immigration partnership program coordinator with the Portage Community Revitalization Corporation, says that this is the second year they put on this event, and they are happy with the outcome again.

"It was pretty good, especially considering the weather we've been having lately. It was a family-friendly event, so lots of kids got some goodies from Saint Nick. We definitely had a great time."

He also mentions holding an event like this in Portage la Prairie is crucial.

"It's important that we, well, first of all, recognize the different cultures that make up our community. It's important to celebrate where we came from but also that people can express these cultural celebrations here in Portage and don't have to travel elsewhere."

Tilk gives a huge thanks to all of the other local organizations and volunteers who helped make this event possible.

"I would just like to thank the sponsors for the event. We had McMunn and Yates Building Supplies, Century 21 Foxx Realty, and the 19 Portage Army Cadet Corps sponsor directly.Then we have some partner organizations that I'd like to thank: the Family Resource Center, Portage Learning and Literacy Center, United Way Brandon and District, the Portage Urban Indigenous Peoples Coalition communitie, and the Prairie Fusion Arts Center.  We also have to thank Murray Proznick, who came from Saskatchewan to be St. Nick and MC the event."