September 17, 2026
For Immediate Release
Sunrise Credit Union donates $250,000 in Support of Three Transformative Community Projects
Sunrise Credit Union is supporting three major initiatives that make a difference in the lives of Western Manitobans for years to come:
- YMCA of Brandon (Prairie Mountain Health Childcare Project) – $100,000
- YWCA Westman (Women’s Campus) – $100,000
- Keystone Centre Foundation – $50,000
“As a member-owned and community-based financial institution, Sunrise Credit Union has a vested interest in the health and well-being of the communities we serve. These three projects address tremendous needs and will have a profound impact on our communities,” said Sunrise President and CEO Tim Klassen. “Families across Western Manitoba depend on regional resources that tie our towns and cities together, meaning that an investment in one community radiates outward to lift neighbours across the entire map. By backing these initiatives, we are looking at the bigger picture: building regional resilience, closing critical infrastructure gaps, and ensuring that no matter where you live in Western Manitoba, you have access to strong, supportive services. We are proud to be able to help support the important work being done by these organizations to create lasting prosperity for our entire region.”
The $100,000 to the YMCA of Brandon will help operate a child-care centre on Prairie Mountain Health property, about one block from the Brandon Regional Health Centre. Construction began earlier this year and is expected to be completed in 2027.
“We are incredibly grateful to Sunrise Credit Union for their continued support of the YMCA of Brandon and the communities we both serve. Their investment in the new Prairie Mountain Health Child Care Centre will help us create a welcoming, high-quality environment for 148 children and provide families with the assurance that their children are receiving quality care,” said YMCA of Brandon CEO Lon Cullen. “With most of the parents expected to be PMH employees from the Westman region working on the hospital campus, this new centre will also contribute to the recruitment and retention of health care employees who provide essential services to people throughout our region.”
The YWCA Westman Women’s Campus project is also receiving $100,000 from Sunrise Credit Union. The campus is a six-story facility in downtown Brandon designed to provide emergency housing, supportive spaces and wrap-around services for women and children.
“YWCA Westman is deeply grateful to Sunrise Credit Union for its generous donation to the Women’s Campus Project. This early support shows how important this project is to our region and to the communities Sunrise serves,” said YWCA Westman CEO Lois Ruston. “We look forward to continuing to work with Sunrise, its branches, and its members as we create a safe and supportive space for families from across Western Manitoba who need it most. Thank you, Sunrise Credit Union, for helping extend care and hope to survivors of gender-based violence and their children.”
Sunrise Credit Union is also donating $50,000 to the Keystone Centre Foundation. The Foundation was launched in the fall of 2025 to support the Keystone Centre’s long-term sustainability, upgrades, and accessibility. The Foundation’s fundraising will support the vision for the Green Space enhancement project planned for the Keystone Centre property.
“On behalf of the Keystone Centre Foundation, I thank Sunrise Credit Union for their generous contribution supporting the future of the Keystone Centre. Sunrise has long been a strong supporter of our facility, our activities, and the broader Westman community,” said Foundation Executive Director Barry Cooper. “As a cultural and economic cornerstone of our region, the Keystone Centre is where business, sport, culture, and everyday life come together. This donation helps preserve and strengthen the facility for generations to come.”
The investments continue Sunrise Credit Union’s commitment to strengthening the communities it serves, including more than $260,000 in funding to 26 community projects through the Building Communities Grant Program since 2023, and further demonstrate how credit unions make a meaningful difference beyond financial services.
About Sunrise Credit Union
Sunrise Credit Union was formed in 2008 and offers personalized service to approximately 35,000 members across 19 branches with over 240 staff. Sunrise Credit Union serves Baldur, Boissevain, Brandon, Cypress River, Deloraine, Grandview, Hartney, Holland, Laurier, Melita, Minnedosa, Reston, Sandy Lake, Shoal Lake, Ste. Rose du Lac, Strathclair, Treherne, Virden, and Waskada.
For more information, please contact:
Heather Merckx
Director, Brand & Marketing
Phone: 204-720-8148 (Cell)
Email: hmerckx@sunrisecu.mb.ca