From Food Banks to a Small-Town Arena, HyLife Fun Days Gifts over $90,000 Into Community Impact

A van that keeps food moving. A safer doorway for someone turning to a food bank. A small-town arena kept going by volunteers.

These are the stories behind HyLife Fun Days 2026.

Together with generous business partners and sponsors, HyLife is contributing more than $90,000 through this year’s initiative, divided equally among The Salvation Army Neepawa, The Killarney Food Bank, and Vita Rec Centre.

“Fun Days is a reminder of what can happen when our employees, sponsors, and communities come together with a shared purpose. These organizations are doing important work every day, and we’re grateful to support projects that will make a real difference for families, volunteers, and the next generation. The event may only last a day, but the impact can be felt long after it’s over,” shared Karan Sangfai, President and CEO, HyLife

 

Helping Keep Food Moving in Neepawa

For The Salvation Army Neepawa, reliable transportation is essential.

Its portion of the Fun Days funding will go toward replacing an aging van used for food rescue, donation pickups, deliveries, and keeping food bank shelves stocked.

The vehicle connects fresh produce, meat, dairy, bread, and other necessities from donors and local partners with families who need them. For those relying on the food bank, that can mean more than groceries. It can provide some relief during a difficult time and reassurance that better days are ahead.

“It’s not easy for people to ask for assistance. Having access to food can relieve some of that stress and allow families to feel like they’re still providing for the people they love. This contribution from HyLife and its sponsors will allow us to keep food moving to the people who need it most.”  shared Amanda Naughton-Gale, Community Ministries Director, The Salvation Army Neepawa

 

Creating a Safer Space in Killarney

At The Killarney Food Bank, the focus is on creating a space that is safer, easier to navigate, and more comfortable for the people who walk through its doors.

Planned improvements include safer entrances, upgraded railings, ramps, and better heating and cooling. The work will also make it easier for volunteers to move donations throughout the building.

For someone visiting a food bank for the first time, those details matter. Asking for assistance can already be difficult; an accessible and welcoming environment can make that first step feel a little lighter.

“We want to take the stigma out of using a food bank and make sure people feel comfortable coming here when they need it. We’re incredibly grateful for this gift from HyLife, and we hope to keep this place growing and thriving for the people who rely on it,” shared James Matchett, Operations Manager, The Killarney Food Bank

 

Supporting a Volunteer-Run Arena in Vita

In Vita, the Vita Rec Centre is much more than a rink.

It is where kids learn to skate, families spend evenings together, teams compete, and generations create memories.

The facility is powered almost entirely by volunteers who give their time and energy to keep the doors open. This year’s funding will go toward a much-needed new scoreboard and other infrastructure improvements aimed at keeping the arena active and welcoming for years to come.

“We want this to continue to be a place where everybody feels welcome, where kids can be active, families can gather, and the next generation can make their own memories. You have no idea how much this investment will mean to a small community like ours,” shared Michelle Thibodeau, Vice President, Vita Rec Centre

 

A Tradition Built on Giving Back

Fun Days began as a weekend for employees to come together, unwind, and celebrate.

Over time, business partners and local organizations became part of the tradition, helping it grow into an initiative that has now raised more than $1.7 million for charities and local projects.

Today, more than 1,000 team members, business partners, families, and local residents participate each year, coming together for food, friendly competition, family activities, and an opportunity to give back.

Behind this year’s result are generous sponsors and business partners, dedicated Fun Days committees, volunteers, employees, and recipient organizations who brought the events to life.

To everyone who played a part in Fun Days 2026, thank you.