Keystone Centre Establishes Foundation for Community Support

The Keystone Centre has launched a new foundation aimed at enhancing the operation, improvement, and accessibility of the non-profit facility. This initiative was officially announced on Thursday, marking a significant step towards securing the centre’s future and its role as a vital community hub.

During the announcement, Barry Cooper, the volunteer executive director, emphasized the importance of the Keystone Centre as an economic and cultural driver for the city of Brandon and the surrounding Westman region. “The Keystone is one of the best value-for-money investments we could ever make,” he stated. Cooper urged the community to recognize the facility’s significance, stating, “What would Brandon, Westman look like if the Keystone Centre wasn’t here? What a scary thought.”

The foundation is a collaboration with the Brandon and Area Community Foundation and will focus on educating the public about the centre’s value. It plans to manage tax-receiptable donations, allowing the Keystone Centre to utilize the annual interest or a portion of the capital for various projects. Cooper highlighted the need for community engagement, saying, “Being part of a community for over 50 years, it’s so easy to forget how truly important this building is.”

The launch event was attended by local politicians, business leaders, and members of the newly formed foundation’s board. Connie Lawrence, CEO and general manager of the Keystone Centre, mentioned that the idea for the foundation had been in development for several years. “We want to make sure that our doors stay open for years to come, and that your children and grandchildren get to use this magnificent facility,” she said.

Lawrence pointed out that maintaining a building that has been part of the community for over 50 years can be costly. She believes that establishing a strong foundation will help ensure the centre’s prosperity. Recently, the Keystone Centre has faced operating deficits, which have been managed with financial support from both the city and the province. “By educating and teaching people the importance of the Keystone Centre, I think that gives people peace of mind of where they could invest their money,” Lawrence added.

The foundation aims to first engage the community, gathering feedback on how the centre can improve. Cooper expressed his intention to create a dialogue without pushing for donations initially. “I’m not selling anybody anything. I’m just talking about the value of the facility,” he explained. He highlighted how many individuals have personal stories that connect them to the Keystone Centre, reinforcing its importance in the community.

The foundation also announced two “signature events” to raise awareness and involve the community. A free family fun day is scheduled for December 20, 2023, while the inaugural Keystone Centre Foundation Dinner will take place on May 14, 2024, featuring a keynote address from local former NFL player Israel Idonije.

Local MP Grant Jackson, representing Brandon-Souris, praised the foundation as a call to action for residents to consider the centre’s role in their lives. “It is so important to go out there and do that hard work of asking the community, as well as governments, to invest in this facility,” he said. Jackson expressed optimism about securing federal support for the centre.

Jennifer Ludwig, president of the Brandon Chamber of Commerce, reflected on her growing understanding of the centre’s significance as a business owner. “The Keystone Centre is an economic anchor of this community,” she noted, highlighting its unique role in Manitoba and western Canada.

The establishment of the Keystone Centre Foundation marks a pivotal moment in the continued development of this essential facility, ensuring its legacy for future generations in Brandon and the surrounding areas.