A Winter "Fun"-Raiser kick off's taking place in Oakville today to raise funds its future community hall and daycare. Chairperson Ashley Tully outlines their need.

"We need a new hall," she explains. "Our existing hall was built in 1950. People put on some additions in 1974. And it's just time. Communities come together when they have a community hall everyone can use. Ours is still useable, but every community needs an update to continue it on with the times."

Tully says they want everyone in the community to come out and learn about the new hall, have fun, and get together as a community.

Free skating starts at 2:30, with Sticks and Pucks at 3:30 in the arena. Other outside events include tobogganing and snow painting on the arena's land site. Tully says the RM of Portage la Prairie donated the land to the cause, and the community's quite excited about their support.

A chili cook-off takes place at 5:00 at the hall. Tickets for adults are $10.00, children 5-12 are $5.00 and kids aged 5 and under are free. Your ticket is your vote.

The overall cost of the new hall is $2.5-million. Tully says they've got several ideas in mind to raise the funds, including personal and private donations from households, companies, and businesses. Government grants are also available.

Tully says Oakville's one of the best communities she's lived in and a new hall will make Oakville that much better. She notes the project should take five years.