In a recent meeting, officials discussed the ongoing fundraising efforts for a significant renovation project at the local baseball field, which has not seen major capital investment in nearly three decades. Eric, a key organizer, provided an update on the fundraising progress since the initiative was launched in March. He reported that outreach to approximately 80 businesses yielded a mix of responses, with 15 to 20 outright declines, while many others remain undecided.

A notable highlight was the $300,000 donation from the West Foundation, which is earmarked for use by December 2025. This funding is intended to be paired with additional contributions from the school district to fully turf the baseball field, a crucial first step in a larger renovation plan estimated to cost over $3 million. The proposal aims to enhance the facility, which currently struggles to accommodate the growing baseball program, serving over 200 families with inadequate and deteriorating facilities.

The urgency of the project was emphasized, as the current playing surface poses safety concerns and limits training opportunities for student-athletes. The discussion also touched on the need for community engagement and visible commitments from the school district to encourage further donations from local businesses.

Participants in the meeting expressed a strong desire for tangible commitments from the district, similar to past initiatives that successfully garnered support for other sports facilities. The overarching goal is to create a safe and functional environment for the baseball program, which is the largest sports organization in the Manitoba Public School District. The meeting concluded with a call for the board to consider a commitment that would facilitate further fundraising efforts and ultimately improve the facilities for the students.