Spruce Up Your Story was inspired by Red River Mutual’s own history as a mutual insurer – a community coming together and a promise between neighbours to support each other through unexpected setbacks. And for the past seven years, this initiative has been a way for us to keep connecting with the communities we serve and support their growth and resilience beyond their insurance needs.  

This year, Red River Mutual received 111 submissions for Spruce Up Your Story. And, for the first time, we’re happy to see that Saskatchewan and Manitoba are equally represented among the recipients, with five projects selected in each province. This year brings the total number of Spruce Up Your Story projects funded in Saskatchewan to 29 and the number of projects funded in Manitoba to 43. 

Spruce Up Your Story has a long history of supporting communities across Manitoba and we’re excited to see that same enthusiasm grow year after year in Saskatchewan, largely due to our broker partners. This year, we received five submissions from broker partners that wanted to support projects in their own communities. As we grow our business in Saskatchewan alongside our partners, we’re making sure our investment in local communities grows alongside it. 

And after careful review, our Spruce Squad of employee volunteers have selected our 2026 recipients! They are: 

• Alonsa New Horizons Senior Centre – Alonsa, MB 

• Brokenhead River Regional Library – Beausejour, MB 

• Craik Playground – Craik, SK 

• Ellen’s Childcare Outdoor Play & Learning Space at IRCOM – Winnipeg, MB 

• Gainsborough Swimming Pool & Splash Pad – Gainsborough, SK 

• Kamsack Sportsgrounds – Kamsack, SK 

• Little Bluestem’s Peace Garden – Winnipeg, MB 

• St Benedict Community & District Curling Club – St Benedict, SK 

• The Community Exchange’s Kitchen – Altona, MB 

• Wapella Happy Go Lucky Club – Wapella, SK 

Thank you everyone for sharing your stories with us this year, it’s been inspiring to see how your communities come together to support your well-loved spaces.

Spruce Up Your Story will return in Spring 2027!