The Douglas Community Recreation Association received $10,000 through Westoba Credit Union's Inspire program to support their fundraising effort to construct a new kitchen in their Community Hall.

The Douglas Community Recreation Association (DCRA) Treasurer and Grants Committee Chair, Marilyn Whaley said they were inspired by various Douglas ladies' groups to build this new community kitchen in their honor.

“For over 75 years this group of volunteers provided our community fall suppers, funeral luncheons, catered to weddings, curling banquets etc. in small little kitchen in the basement of the hall,” said Whaley. “We want to continue to carry on their legacy by building a new community kitchen on the main floor of the hall.”

The DCRA consists of an Executive committee, Board Members and volunteers that manage the operation of the Douglas Community Hall, the Curling Rink, and the outdoor skating/hockey rink.

The project is sizable as the community group is moving the lower-level kitchen up to the main floor, thus providing better accessibility for the variety of events and activities that take place year-round at the local Hall.  Their fundraising goal is $50,000.

“We offer our annual mixed curling bonspiel, club curling, Relic Derby, bingo, socials, kids movie nights and in 2023 our 1st annual Car Show & BBQ,” said Whaley. “The hall is also used by Westman Jams, a local music group to host community jam sessions and meeting space for other clubs to hold their regular meetings.”

Westoba President and CEO, Jim Rediger says they are very pleased to help the Douglas community with their project. "Their community hall is obviously at the very center of their community and there are many local organizations that use it for so many things. It gets used a lot!"

Granting the $10,000 to the Douglas Community Rec Assocation wraps up Westoba's 60th Anniversary $60,000 donations to community project through their Inspire Program for 2023.  This year marked the 60th anniversary for Westoba and they celebrated throughout the year with their branch communities.

"We've been really appreciative of the support that our members have provided through out celebrations, and we've enjoyed speaking with them back in October during Credit Union Day," sharse Rediger. "We're looking forward to wrapping up a successful 2023, and really looking forward to supporting our communities and our members in 2024."

Please listen to more with Westoba Credit Union President and CEO Jim Rediger below!

The funding from Westoba Inspire is part of Westoba’s 60th anniversary celebration. Throughout 2023 Westoba has been showing their appreciation with a $60,000.00 giveaway through Westoba Inspire and other community involvement.

Rediger contributes Westoba’s success to its members and commitment to Westoba’s values. “These guiding principles reflect Westoba's dedication to making a meaningful difference in the lives of its members and communities,” said Rediger.

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