The introduction of RCMP into the Riverdale Municipality has been met with mixed reviews, a little more than a year since rollout.

Mayor Heather Lamb said RCMP have transitioned successfully into the community to replace the now-dissolved Rivers Police Service. The switch has gone better than expected, she said.

“I had my reservations, because we had 111 years of Rivers community policing,” the mayor said. “But I’m happy to know that the level of protection in Riverdale has continued.”

When contacted for a review about the police change-up in September, the mayor and residents gave a mixed bag of reviews to the Sun. Lamb said she has warmed up to the idea after a year.

PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE — A new community arts project is aiming to break down the stigma surrounding mental health by inviting people of all ages to express their experiences through creativity.

The Portage Learning & Literacy Centre (PLLC) has put out an open call for submissions for its “Art of Healing” exhibition, a traveling showcase designed to be as inclusive as possible.

“We’re trying to do a very, very low-barrier art exhibition for people who are interested in showcasing any form of art that pertains to mental health,” said Rachel Pilipchuk, the Youth Life Skills Project Leader at PLLC. “We’re trying to accept anything that people are willing to submit just for the sake of mental health and representation.”

Initially open to those 13 and older, the project has removed its age limit to encourage broader participation. Submissions can range from paintings and sculptures to recorded dance performances and digital media. There is currently no cap on the number of pieces an individual can submit.

PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE — As Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Plains gears up for a new year of mentorship, the organization is inviting the community to learn more about its impact and opportunities to get involved.

The local chapter will host a come-and-go open house on Sept. 18 from 2 to 6 p.m. at its office at 15 Tupper Street South. The event, held during national Big Brothers Big Sisters Month, is a chance for potential volunteers, families and donors to connect with staff and see what the organization has planned for the year.

“If anyone has questions about it or they’re kind of curious, we would love them to stop by,” said Dawn Froese, executive director of BBBS of Central Plains. “We’d also encourage people who’ve been involved with us before or who are donors to come for a visit.”

With after-school and in-school mentoring programs restarting the third week of September, the need for dedicated volunteers is ongoing. These programs require a commitment of just one hour a week during the school year.

The Sun Fund for Kids raises money to help children who are referred to the Child and Family Services summer camp program — although anyone with kids between the ages of five and 17 can apply. None of these kids are wards of the CFS program, as they fall under a different fund.

Donations can be made out to “The Sun Fund For Kids” and sent directly to The Brandon Sun at Unit D-7, 800 Rosser Ave., Brandon, MB, R7A 6N5.

Your donation will be acknowledged publicly through a published column, but if you prefer to be anonymous, please just let us know. Donors will receive a tax receipt from the CFS Western Foundation.

The following are the donations made in August: