Great Western Brewing Company (GWBC) announced today its $300,000 contribution to the Lace ‘Em Up Campaign for
the new Martensville Recreation Centre.
City of Martensville Council, along with representatives from the Martensville
Community Recreation Project (MCRP), gathered to celebrate this contribution and
thank GWBC for its support of the new $44.5 million facility that will provide space for
recreation, community and cultural gatherings in the region.
“Great Western has a strong history of community involvement,” said Michael Brennan,
CEO. “A contribution of this size demonstrates our support while also giving our
employees a sense of pride in what we do and who we support.”
“A number of our employees call Martensville home, so showing support for their
community is important,” added Scott Henbury, V.P. Sales, SK & MB at Great Western.
Now thanks to their support, Great Western will be a bigger part of the community and a
part of those good times: the spectator lounge, a key feature in the new centre, will be
named the O16 Founders Lounge.
This is fitting, given the nature of Great Western’s ‘Original 16’ determined employees in
1990 who made the brewery possible, is echoed by the MCRP: the group of determined
volunteers who engaged the community over 8 years to fundraise for the new recreation
centre.
“We were drawn to this campaign because of how the community pulled together to
take on such a large-scale project to improve the sporting opportunities within
Martensville,” said Brennan. “Facilities that allow communities to gather and engage are
critically important. The Martensville Recreation Centre will have an impact for
generations to come.”
“The Prairies are full of stories similar to the Original 16 Founders: stories of grit, of
community, and of connection to build something stronger,” said Jesse Reis, Chair of
the MCRP. “The MCRP is grateful for Great Western coming alongside the City and the
MCRP to create this new centre, together, that will benefit generations.”
“We’re grateful for Great Western Brewing Company understanding the vision of this
regional recreation centre, with a contribution that further connects communities in the
region,” said Kent Muench, Mayor of the City of Martensville. “We thank them for their
investment and for wanting to play a leadership role.”
In December 2022, the Martensville Community Recreation Project (MCRP), together
with the City of Martensville, launched the Lace ‘Em Up Campaign. The campaign goal
of $4 million was set to complete the MCRP’s community fundraising goal. Over $3.6M
has been raised to date.
“Great Western sees how the new centre will be the heartbeat of the community, where
people will gather together,” said Ahlana Ehalt & Bartt Timms, Co-Chairs of the Lace
‘Em Up Campaign. “We are truly grateful.”
There is still time to donate. The MCRP continues to accept donations for naming rights
for various facility amenities. There are many ways to give to the campaign. Pledges
can be made over five years and can include gifts of appreciated securities. For
example, for a gift of only $17 per month for five years, your name can be included on
the facility’s donor wall. All donations received may qualify for a charitable tax receipt.
Donations can be made at www.mcrp.ca/donate or dropped off at City Hall. For more
information on the Centre, visit Martensville.ca.
