Glenboro is preparing to open a brand‑new medical clinic next month — a project that residents say proves what a small community can accomplish when it decides to invest in its own future. The new Spirit Sands Medical Clinic, a $2‑million facility, was funded entirely through local donations and community‑driven fundraising efforts within roughly a 100‑kilometre radius of the town. It took just over one year to reach the lofty goal thanks to a groundswell of grassroots’ support.
The fundraising all began with a gala dinner event last December that included an auction where $24,000 was raised in one night. Town councillor Dale Fisher, who helped spearhead the campaign, says the response was overwhelming from the very beginning. “Every dollar came from the community — individuals, families, local businesses, and our surrounding municipalities,” Fisher said. “People believed in this project because they believed in keeping health care close to home. We rarely had anyone refuse when we asked for donations. We had seven $100,000 donators from nearby farming families who donated privately; our municipality put in $450,000,” said Fisher. The remainder of the funds will be prominently displayed on a donor board in the clinic.
The townspeople and residents from surrounding communities realized the importance of keeping the clinic going because of costs involved to travel elsewhere for medical issues. “Not only that, it’s hard to get into clinics elsewhere and speaking from a personal standpoint, the last time I travelled to Brandon I spent hours waiting at emergency just to get looked at. People may end up moving here because of this new clinic because of the convenience it provides,” said Fisher.
The new clinic replaces Glenboro’s aging 70‑year‑old facility, which has long operated out of the basement of the Glenboro Health Centre. The old space, built in the early 1950s, was cramped, windowless, and increasingly difficult to maintain. Fisher says the community knew it was time for something better. “Our health professionals spend so much of their lives in their offices,” he said. “If we want to recruit and keep doctors, nurses, and specialists, we need a modern, bright, welcoming space. This new clinic gives us that.”
The Spirit Sands Medical Clinic will house two physicians each with their own office and a nurse practitioner (who just happens to be Fisher’s daughter Brittany Vrooman), plus additional exam rooms to improve patient flow. The expanded layout is also expected to help attract new services such as physiotherapy, dietitian support, and visiting specialists.
Inside look at the Spirit Sands Medical Clinic. Photo credit: Dale Fisher
Fisher says the speed of the project still amazes him. “We broke ground just a year ago, and now we’re just days away opening to the public. Considering our hospital closed two years ago and the lab had already shut down, the turnaround in health‑care momentum here is unbelievable,” Fisher said. The doors officially open to the public on Monday, June 1st. “We’ll have a big parade and hoop de-do in August which we’ll be promoting on our social media sites,” said Fisher.
Inside the new building, computer systems are already installed, and staff areas are taking shape. Patient beds, equipment, and artwork from local photographers will be added in the coming weeks. A donor wall at the entrance recognizes contributions ranging from $1,000 to more than $100,000. “We have a doctor who recently moved here and a health care aid on staff, things are moving along nicely and I couldn’t be happier. As we move things into the new clinic from the old one, various members of community are bending over backwards and always asking what can we do, what can we do to help?! It’s just amazing,” said Fisher. “This clinic is proof of what rural Manitoba can do when people pull together. It’s neighbors helping neighbors, something the whole region can be proud of,” Fisher said.
The Spirit Sands Medical Clinic will have a soft opening to the public on Monday, June 8th.
