Central Plains Cancer Services brought back its Sip & Stroll fundraiser on Friday, September 5, at the Portage Golf Club.<\/p>\n
The event first launched in 2019 and returned this year as a walking tour filled with tasting stations, appetizers, and community connection.<\/p>\n
Sharilyn Knox, executive director of Central Plains Cancer Services, notes that the response was encouraging.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe brought it back this year, and the golf course was really generous to let us be on the course. We had different tasting stations where people could sample wine, beer, whiskey, have a little stroll on the golf course, have some appetizers, and raise some money for Central Plains Cancer Services.\u201d<\/p>\n
A volunteer showcases whiskey samples at one of the tasting stations during the Sip & Stroll fundraiser held on September 5, 2025. PortageOnline\/Cory Knutt<\/p>\n
Knox says about 200 people took part in the evening, visiting 12 tasting stations plus snack stops and appetizers served indoors. There were also non-alcoholic beverages available throughout the event.<\/p>\n
She adds that the fundraiser kept its upbeat atmosphere despite some rain showers moving through.<\/p>\n
The fundraiser directly supports programs for people in the region who are living with cancer.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe funds raised from this are going towards our wellness retreat happening on October 3rd and 4th. I really want to give a big shout-out to the committee that works on this. We don’t do these things alone. We have a great group of people who work to help organize it. Also a huge amount of volunteers come out for the evening. Just grateful for that.\u201d<\/p>\n
Volunteers help raise funds by selling raffle and draw tickets at the clubhouse during Central Plains Cancer Services\u2019 Sip & Stroll fundraiser. PortageOnline\/Cory Knutt<\/p>\n
Alongside the tasting tour, the evening also featured a rainbow auction, a 50\/50 draw, and a wine pull.<\/p>\n
Knox adds that these extras not only add fun to the night but also help raise additional dollars for Central Plains Cancer Services.<\/p>\n
Volunteers showcase selections at a tasting station during the Sip & Stroll fundraiser for Central Plains Cancer Services. PortageOnline\/Cory Knutt<\/p>\n
The Sip & Stroll is also made possible through strong business sponsorship.<\/p>\n
Thirty-two local companies contributed to the fundraiser by sponsoring tasting stations and other parts of the evening. Knox mentions that support like this shows how much the community values keeping cancer services close to home.<\/p>\n
One of those sponsors was Pro Image Signs. Owner Geoff Roy explains why his company wanted to be part of the event.<\/p>\n
“We were at the original event. We’ve been in the community for over 30 years, and Central Plains Cancer Services is always one of our key points. If we can support the organization, we will.\u201d<\/p>\n
Guests gather inside the Portage Golf Club to enjoy appetizers and drinks as part of the Sip & Stroll fundraiser for Central Plains Cancer Services. PortageOnline\/Cory Knutt<\/p>\n
Another sponsor, McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel, also sees the event as a natural way to give back.<\/p>\n
Owner Mandy Dubois remarks, \u201cWe always want to get involved in community events that are happening, and we love the Portage Golf Club, so it was just a natural fit to get involved with this event. We wanted to show our support. It was an amazing event, and it was a lot of fun.\u201d<\/p>\n
Friends and neighbours connect over food and drinks inside the clubhouse during Central Plains Cancer Services\u2019 Sip & Stroll fundraiser. PortageOnline\/Cory Knutt<\/p>\n
While the final fundraising total is still being calculated, organizers are confident the night made a significant impact.<\/p>\n
With tasting stations, community games, and broad sponsorship, Sip & Stroll once again proved to be more than just an evening out; it\u2019s a reminder of the local support network that surrounds those living with cancer in the Central Plains region.<\/p>\n
Items up for bid at the rainbow auction help raise funds for Central Plains Cancer Services. PortageOnline\/Cory Knutt
Local sponsors support Central Plains Cancer Services by providing raffle prizes and displays at the Sip & Stroll fundraiser. PortageOnline\/Cory Knutt<\/p>\n