Prairie Co-op is proud to announce the Qu'Appelle Valley Friendship Centre as the first-ever recipient of its newly launched Prairie Co-op Community Builder Fund. Selected from an impressive pool of 31 local applications, the Friendship Centre will receive a total investment of $30,000 to construct a permanent, year-round outdoor community gathering and cultural space – the Prairie Co-op Community Pavilion.

The funding is made possible through a unique partnership where Prairie Co-op provides a local contribution of up to $15,000, which is fully matched dollar-for-dollar by Federated Co-operatives Limited (FCL). Replacing the former Community Spaces program, this new initiative awards exactly one (1) major grant per fiscal year to support high-impact, proactive projects that create a legacy for future generations.

The capital investment will be used to construct a permanent, covered gazebo-style pavilion attached to the exterior of the Friendship Centre's facility at 185 Victoria Ave N. in Fort Qu’Appelle. Built using durable, weather-appropriate materials for year-round programming, the space will feature concrete flooring, a designated safe area for barbecues, and integrated picnic table seating. It is intentionally designed as an accessible, welcoming environment to support Elders' gatherings, cultural ceremonies, intergenerational storytelling, and shared community meals.

"Sharing food, conversation, and time together is a powerful way to reduce isolation and build unity," said Christina Cook, Executive Director for the Qu'Appelle Valley Friendship Centre. "Currently, our cultural programming and community meals are weather-dependent. This permanent outdoor structure responds directly to our need for a safe, consistent environment where Elders, youth, and families of all walks of life can gather comfortably across the seasons."

The final project selection was determined by a diverse internal committee consisting of a Prairie Co-op Board member, a representative from the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), the Marketing Specialist, and four retail team members representing different commodity lines and geographical locations to ensure a wide range of perspectives.

Media Event & Celebration Details

To celebrate this major local investment, a formal cheque presentation and community celebration will take place:

• What: Community Barbecue and Cheque Presentation
• Where: Qu’Appelle Valley Friendship Centre, 185 Victoria Ave N, Fort Qu'Appelle
• When: Wednesday, August 12, 2026. Barbecue at 12pm; cheque presentation at 12:30pm.
• Who: Representatives from the Qu'Appelle Valley Friendship Centre, the Prairie Co-op Selection Committee, members of the Board of Directors, and the Prairie Co-op Senior Leadership Team (SLT) will be in attendance for photos and interviews.
• Details: Open to the community. Members of the media are invited for photo opportunities and interviews with leadership from both organizations.

"We are absolutely thrilled to partner with the Qu'Appelle Valley Friendship Centre for our inaugural Community Builder grant," said Terry Vanmackelberg, General Manager of Prairie Co-op. "This project perfectly aligns with our co-operative values of community inclusion and long-term sustainability. By supporting a space where multiple generations can connect and share local food and culture, we are helping build a stronger foundation for the entire Fort Qu'Appelle area."
The structure will use locally-sourced materials and construction labour, with an anticipated project completion timeline of six months. It is estimated that more than 600 local citizens—representing over half of the immediate community—will benefit from the space annually.