When the need arises, Weyburn steps up to help out what is needed. It is something that has been seen countless times over the years, no matter the circumstances. This week, Discover Weyburn is looking at the groups, organizations, and people who have benefitted from the sense of community from the population. We start with a look at two of the groups that are synonymous with the town - The Weyburn Red Wings, and the Weyburn Beavers.

 

Sports is something that the community has rallied behind for years, with the rink and the ball diamond being a gathering point in the community for decades. In recent years, though, the future of these teams hasn’t always been a rosy one. When the need arose, the community came out.

 

Larry Tribiger is the president of the Weyburn Red WIngs. He has seen how the community can rally first hand in recent years. “When were were financially in trouble two years ago, I put out a call for a public meeting, and we thought, maybe 30, 40 people would come out,” Tribiger explained in an interview with Discover Weyburn. That public meeting, held at the Microtel Hotel in Weyburn, was scheduled to be held in a smaller conference room. When hundreds showed up, it took Tribiger by surprise. “Turned out there was people standing out in the parking lot. They wanted to come and help us.”

 

That cry for help went a long way to helping out the community owned team, as residents came out to games, volunteered, and got involved with the organization on many levels.

 

The Red Wings aren’t the only team that see the support from the community. The Weyburn Beavers play in the WMBL. It is a team primarily made up of collegiate aged players from across Canada and the United States. These players are welcomed into the town, and they are quick to give back as well.

 

The president of the beavers, Garnet Hanson, says they have worked to foster a positive relationship in the community, working to support what is needed, be it minor sports, or even the maintenance of the field itself.


“Our team logged 500 hours of community service last year, and you know, the community really got behind us,” Hanson explained. That support has been paid back, as the team enjoyed one of its most successful seasons on and off the diamond last year. When it comes to advertising and sponsorship dollars for the team, that hasn’t been in short supply either, despite the current economic situation. Hanson related that there is a benefit to the teams like the Red Wings and the Beavers in the community, with many others recognizing it.

 

“Having sports teams like the red wings and the beavers, in a community the size of weyburn, really is a benefit to the younger kids playing minor hockey and minor ball, because they look up to these guys as role models,” Hanson said.

 

Tribiger and Hanson point out that the support from the community isn’t restricted to just sports. In a city that is known for its arts, service clubs, and more, people are always genuinely willing to help out.

 

“You put out a call, and people are there right away for you,” Tribiger said.  “They support you 100 per cent. It seems like once things get rolling, and then all of a sudden you start with one person, then you’re up to a hundred people wanting to help you out.”

 

Hanson feels that the size of the community is also beneficial to being able to get the word out when help is needed.

 

“The media gets on a story, and it's much easier to spread through a community of 10-11,000  than it is, you know, like Regina or Saskatoon,” Hanson explained.

 

As the two teams get ready for 2016-17, they will once again be partnering up, a venture that came out as a result of the issue from the Red Wings facing financial troubles. They will be holding a joint progressive 50/50 lottery, with the proceeds going to benefit both organizations. Those tickets will be available tomorrow, and the draw will be made during the Red Wings season.

 

Tomorrow, we will be continuing our look at the groups, organizations and people who benefit from the sense of community, and willingness to help within the city of Weyburn, when we talk about how nonprofits that help others can manage to continue to provide services no matter the situation.