Allied Wings and KF Aerospace donated a hefty $25,000 to the Koko Platz Community Recreation Club. 

Site manager Jeff Fletcher says they've been operating in Southport for over a decade. He explains they've been involved in the community as a corporation, and they're one of the contracting companies under the banner called Allied Wings. Fletcher says the contribution itself was from KF Aerospace in an effort to show themselves as good community members.  

"The interesting thing is that we employ almost 200 folks out here, and the majority, or large percentage, of them live in Portage la Prairie, or in the surrounding area. Koko Platz Community Club is the only remaining outdoor rink in Portage. It's been in continual operation since the 70s. What's interesting is Pete Fedak was the previous site manager here and his kids all grew up at Koko Platz Community Club."

Fletcher adds he's been away for 30 years for military service but still remembers the good times he had at Koko Platz.

"But I grew up on 8 Roe St. So, back in the 70s, I literally put my skates on at home. You'd walk down the old gravel street all covered in ice. You'd walk down to the Koko Platz Community Club."

He explains he can't remember how many evenings and weekends when they spent several hours on the ice there. 

"When we heard that this rink had burned down, and then an initiative was put forward to replace it, it just seemed like how could you not become involved in that, the excitement of it, and the whole idea of being a part of rebuilding the Koko Platz Community Club? It's absolutely essential," adds Fletcher. "I believe that in Portage la Prairie we need an outdoor rink."

He notes it's an amazing initiative to support, and working with Koko Platz Recreation Club Director Colby Orchard on the donation through various discussions.

"We are very heavily involved with Southport Aerospace. When there are initiatives like this that come forward, we don't shy away from them. There's a responsibility."