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Stride Forward Fund
Stride Credit Union Empowers Rural Manitoba with Transformative Community Investments Through 2025 Stride Forward Fund
Thirteen projects receive funding to strengthen gathering spaces, childcare, recreation, and accessibility—building vibrant communities for generations to come.​
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Stride Credit Union is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 Stride Forward Fund, supporting 13 incredible organizations that are creating meaningful impact across rural Manitoba. These investments strengthen the people, places, and programs that help our communities thrive.
From revitalizing gathering spaces to supporting childcare, recreation, arts, and accessibility, this year’s projects reflect Stride’s commitment to building strong, inclusive communities.
Brent Budz, CEO of Stride Credit Union, emphasized the importance of these investments: “The Stride Forward Fund is about more than financial support—it’s about investing in the heart of our communities. These projects represent the resilience, creativity, and collaboration that make rural Manitoba strong.”
2025 Recipients
$30,000
North Norfolk Childcare CO-OP
North Norfolk Childcare Co-op is opening the first licensed childcare facility in the RM of North Norfolk. Strides funding will support critical renovations to bring this much-needed space to life for families in the region.
$20,000
Langruth Community Hall
Langruth Community Hall is receiving funding to replace old flooring throughout the facility, creating a safer, more inviting space for all who use the hall. This renovation will help maintain the hall as a central gathering place for the community.
$25,000
Arts Forward
ArtsForward in Neepawa enriches the community through arts and culture programming. The grant will support window replacements to improve energy efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of their building.
$25,000
Yellowhead Development Society
The Yellowhead Development Society is renovating the lower level of the curling rink to create a safer, more accessible, and visually unified space. Funding will support new flooring throughout the viewing and changeroom areas, as well as new seating to enhance comfort and accessibility for members and guests.
$9,700
Plumas Pirates Ball Diamond
The Plumas Pirates Ball Diamond is upgrading its field maintenance equipment to keep the diamond in top shape. This specialized tool will help level and care for the shale infield.
$5,000
Get Together Club
The Get Together Club operates a senior drop-in centre in MacGregor. Stride’s funding will help renovate the washrooms, making the space more comfortable and accessible for local seniors.
$15,000
Tiny Taters Childcare
CO-OP
Tiny Taters Childcare in Carberry is preparing to open a much-needed daycare centre for the community. Funding will support the purchase of outdoor play equipment, a required component of the centre.
$5,000
North Norfolk Ag Society
The North Norfolk Ag Society is improving accessibility at the MacGregor curling and ice rink facilities. The funding will go toward removable ramps that make key summer events like the Bull Bash and MacGregor Fair more inclusive for all.
$6,000
Roxy Theatre
The Roxy Theatre in Neepawa is a regional destination for moviegoers. Stride’s investment will help replace an outdated fire alarm panel to meet upcoming safety regulations and ensure continued operation.
$4,000
Birnie Community Club
Birnie Hall serves as a vital gathering space for its surrounding rural community. The funding will help purchase new stainless steel shelving, a small fridge and freezer, and materials to repaint and refresh the space.
$25,000
High Bluff Community Centre
The High Bluff Community Centre is revitalizing its public playground to create a more inclusive, welcoming space for local families. Stride’s investment will support a healthier, more connected community.
$14,000
KoKo Platz Community Club
KoKo Platz Community Club is nearing completion of its new space in Portage la Prairie. Funding will help furnish the hall with tables, chairs, and storage, enabling rentals and welcoming guests for years to come.
$5,000
Junior Rifle Club
The Junior Rifle Club provides hunter safety education and firearm training in a controlled environment. Funding will go toward upgrading competition air rifles and improving the shooting range for youth participants.
“Birnie Community Club has done all its banking business with Stride Credit Union for years. We have had great service and have appreciated the support for local community events. The Stride Forward Fund is one example of the connection between the Credit Union and the communities it serves. We are very grateful for the grant we have received. Fundraising is a big challenge for small communities. This money will help us to begin our project to improve our kitchen facility for community functions. Thank you.”
Norma Somers on behalf of the Birnie Community Club
Why This Matters To You
When we invest in community spaces, we invest in connection, belonging, and opportunity. These projects are commitments to the people who gather, learn, celebrate, and grow in these places. Every contribution strengthens the fabric of rural Manitoba, ensuring that children have safe places to play, families have access to childcare, and neighbours have welcoming spaces to come together.