Three communities in rural Manitoba have received backing for local community spaces and projects after the 2025 HyLife Fun Days, the pork company said.
The annual employee event earlier this fall also included $35,000 each to a basketball court in Killarney, supportive housing in Steinbach and heating upgrades at Neepawa’s recreation centre.
Each of the three communities are hubs for HyLife, with a feed mill and wash bay in Killarney, main processing plant in Neepawa and head office in Steinbach.
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WHY IT MATTERS: Vertically integrated HyLife Foods started as a homegrown Manitoba food processing success story in La Broquerie and became a major employer in Neepawa. Majority ownership of the company was sold to Thai-based Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited in 2019.
“Each year, more than 1,000 HyLife team members, business partners, and community members come together to enjoy a gourmet meal prepared by the HyLife Culinary Team, participate in friendly sports competitions, and enjoy family-friendly activities like face painting, games, and more,” a Sept. 29 HyLife release said. “It’s a time to connect, celebrate, and, most importantly, give back.”
The company estimates the event has seen $1.7 million donated to local charities since it started in 2006.
Projects boosted
Money for the Killarney basketball court for will be used for concrete repairs, new nets and resizing due to regulation standards, according to the Sept. 29 press release.
“I can’t wait to see this already well-loved basketball court become a space for even more community members to come together,” local teacher Lisa Shiels said in the same release. “This HyLife donation will be a massive help in bringing this community even closer.”
Money going to Steinbach will go into the pool for Steinbach Community Outreach, which is building 65 supportive housing units in partnership with Eden Health Care Services.
“We’re joining forces with Eden Health Care Services to house those in our community who are living in poverty and facing serious mental health challenges, and this donation from HyLife is a massive help in supporting this important project,” said Charlene Kroeker, office manager of Steinbach Community Outreach.
In Neepawa, meanwhile, heating unit upgrades hope to keep programs like gymnastics running through winter at the Yellowhead Community Recreation Centre.
“We were able to source a brand new, up-to-date heating unit, and this Fun Days donation will be a big help in the cost, and now we don’t have to worry about events being cancelled in the winter,” said Crystal Rannie, the centre’s director of operations.
