Keystone Centre Establishes Foundation to Enhance Community Engagement

The Keystone Centre has launched a new foundation aimed at supporting its operations, improving its facilities, and enhancing accessibility for the community. This initiative was officially announced on Thursday, marking a significant step in promoting the role of the centre as a vital economic and cultural hub for Brandon and the surrounding Westman region.

During the announcement, Barry Cooper, the volunteer executive director of the newly formed Keystone Centre Foundation, emphasized the importance of the centre. “The Keystone is a key economic and cultural driver for Brandon and for Westman, one of the best value-for-money investments we could ever make,” he stated. The event was attended by local politicians, business leaders, and board members from the foundation, which is partnering with the Brandon and Area Community Foundation.

The Keystone Centre Foundation will focus on community education regarding the facility’s significance. According to the centre’s press release, the foundation will manage tax-receiptable donations, using the accrued interest or a portion of the capital for specific projects. Cooper underscored the necessity of reminding the community of the centre’s value after over 50 years of service. He posed the thought-provoking question: “What would Brandon, Westman look like if the Keystone Centre wasn’t here?”

The foundation plans to engage with the community before launching fundraising efforts. Cooper remarked, “I’m not selling anybody anything. I’m just talking about the value of the facility, and I hope that people see that as something they want to come on side with.” He highlighted the personal impact the centre has had on many lives, stating, “Everybody has a story about this building and about these grounds, and that’s why it matters so much.”

In her remarks, Connie Lawrence, the CEO and general manager of the Keystone Centre, revealed that the foundation’s establishment has been in planning for several years. She expressed a commitment to maintaining the facility for future generations, noting, “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.” Lawrence pointed out the financial challenges associated with maintaining a 50-year-old building, hoping that a structured foundation will bring long-term prosperity.

The Keystone Centre has faced operating deficits in recent years, which have been mitigated through funding from both the city and province. “I need to make sure it is properly funded as we move forward,” Lawrence stated. She stressed the importance of community investment, highlighting that if the centre were to close, it would negatively impact local businesses and the region as a whole.

Lawrence described the centre as a “pillar in our community,” addressing misconceptions about its significance. She argued that the centre’s closure would reduce the attractiveness of Brandon, impacting local hotels and restaurants.

To raise awareness and foster community involvement, the foundation has scheduled two signature events. The first is a free family fun day on December 20, followed by the inaugural Keystone Centre Foundation Dinner on May 14. The dinner will feature a keynote speech from former NFL player and Brandon native Israel Idonije.

Local MP Grant Jackson echoed the sentiments of the importance of the centre, particularly for young residents. “As a small-town kid getting to come into a facility like this, you just don’t see that every day,” Jackson remarked. He called the foundation a “call to action” for residents to reflect on the centre’s role in their lives and advocate for its continued presence in the community.

Additionally, Jennifer Ludwig, president of the Brandon Chamber of Commerce, shared her evolving understanding of the centre’s value. “The Keystone Centre is an economic anchor of this community. The value and economic stimulus from events that are hosted within this facility are remarkable and so important to the business community in Brandon,” she stated.

As the foundation prepares to embark on its mission, the focus will be on engaging the community, educating residents about the Keystone Centre’s contributions, and securing its future as a cherished local asset.