Steinbach Community Outreach picked by SCU members for grant

Steinbach Credit Union (SCU) members have spoken, and the credit union has listened through what has become an annual tradition of gift giving.

Launched eight years ago, the Share the Light campaign awards a pair of charities with $3,500 each.

The only catch is that they have to be selected by members.

This year SCU once again asked their members where help is needed most, having them nominate charities to receive financial support.

Steinbach Community Outreach and The Convalescent Home of Winnipeg received the top votes from approximately 800 nominations.

“At SCU, we believe strong communities are built through care, collaboration and many small acts of support,” SCU CEO Curtis Wennberg said in a Dec. 12 news release. “Share the Light reflects that spirit. Each nomination reminds us of the compassion in our communities, and we are honoured to support organizations making a daily impact.”

The campaign ran from Nov. 12 to Dec. 1, but was only shared with their members through Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Steinbach Community Outreach provides food, clothing, housing assistance and a warming shelter for those experiencing poverty or homelessness in Steinbach.

Drop-in centre director Myra Gerbrandt said support from the community allows them to meet needs.

“It means so much to us and to our guests, when the community comes together to make a difference in their lives,” she said.

The Convalescent Home of Winnipeg is a non-profit long-term care home offering dignity, belonging, and compassionate care to 84 residents.

Since the program’s inception, an estimated $60,000 has been granted to charities in Manitoba.

SCU says it reflects their broader commitment to supporting communities where they live and work, highlighting organizations that help others.

SCU boasts over 116,000 members across three branches, including one in Steinbach and two in Winnipeg.