Portage la Prairie's Recreation Opportunities for Kids received a stunning cheque from Roquette today amounting to $24,000. The cheque was presented at the BDO Centre for the Community with several local community leaders present, including RM of Portage la Prairie Reeve Kam Blight, ROK Executive Director Lynne Parker, Portage Mayor Irvine Ferris, and PRED Executive Director Vern May.

Martin Fregeau"It was an easy decision for us, because the ROK program is very much aligned with our core values," says Martin Fregeau, Roquette Canada Limited managing director, who made the presentation. "This means thinking globally, but acting locally for the community. Two components are basically key for us -- assistance for activities and programs like this, as well as well-being through food and proper food habits for the kids."

ROK executive director Lynne Parker says it's really huge, noting she's starting cooking programs at the Outreach Centre, which includes game nights. She explains after their I Love to Skate program's over, they'll be doing a crafts night. Parker says, as we approach Christmas, the kids like to make crafts. She adds they're also starting a lacrosse mobile after-school program once a week in January at North Memorial School. They seek to plan something they can do at one of the schools for four weeks in a row, and cycle between the North Memorial, Fort La Reine and La Verendrye Schools. These funds, she notes, will provide food and snacks that are required, as well as equipment.

Lynne ParkerParker says the first cooking group's already started, and a couple of nights of hockey in the evenings have also taken place. They're currently operating Tuesdays and Thursdays. When I Love to Skate is completed, they'll run Monday through Thursdays.

She says kids need to sign up so she knows how many will be arriving, and notes they're limited in their space. However, she says, events planned outside and at the schools are not limited to any number of kids, .

Parker pointing out various programs to be funded by donation.