Gimli’s Bob Munro is once again in the running for a $10,000 national award—and this time, the funds could help bring the long-awaited Youth Hub one step closer to reality.
For nearly four years, the Gimli Youth Hub Committee has been working to create a safe, supervised space where local teens can gather after school and in the evenings. With most of the funding already secured, the final push could come from Timber Mart’s 2025 Local Leaders Initiative.
Munro, a driving force behind the Youth Hub, has been nominated for the national initiative for the second year in a row.
“I was surprised—I didn’t know I had my name in,” said Munro. “I’m delighted, because we can provide so much back to the community.”
Munro has long been recognized for his dedication to volunteer work. Over the years, he’s contributed to Ride for Dad, the Gimli Glider Museum, the Gimli Spray Park Committee, the Westshore Community Foundation and the Rotary Club of Gimli, among others.
If selected, Munro said the $10,000 prize would go entirely toward the Youth Hub, either for construction or interior furnishings. The facility was first proposed following a request from Gimli town council to form a committee focused on youth well-being.
“There isn’t a lot for young people to do after school,” said Munro. “A lot of our students aren’t involved in school activities. We can provide a facility for them to go to where there’ll be a supervisor.”
Once complete, the building will be turned over to the RM of Gimli for maintenance. In the meantime, the committee is working to finalize its design and future-proof the space. Features include a flexible classroom and walls that can be reconfigured to adapt to changing needs.
“We have to think ahead a lot of years,” Munro said. “What we’re building today may not interest young people ten years from now. We certainly hope it’s as successful as we dream it to be.”
Leigh Sylvester, general manager of K.C. Enterprises Ltd. and Timber Mart, said Munro’s track record of community involvement made him a natural nominee.
“Bob has been a long-standing customer of mine who’s been involved with many community-based projects over the years,” said Sylvester. “This latest project—the Gimli Youth Hub—really grabbed my attention.”
Sylvester also praised Munro’s work with Hailey’s Way, a charitable organization named in memory of Hailey Dugay, a young woman killed in an act of violence in 2018. The group advocates for safe, supervised spaces for youth in the Interlake and is a key partner in the Youth Hub project.
“With $8,000 raised in 2024 and another $8,000 already in 2025, we’re confident that Bob and Hailey’s Way can get this project to the next level and break ground soon,” Sylvester said. “It would be amazing for the youth in town, neighbouring communities and even summer visitors to have a safe and inclusive space for years to come.”
“Timber Mart and KC Lumber have always been strong supporters of the community,” Munro added. “I’m honoured they’d consider me.”
Anyone can vote once every 24 hours at timbermart.ca until June 25.
