“Thompson Spirit” is the primary community participation committee of the Chamber.
Its Mission Statement is
To foster and develop community pride and spirit by encouraging all Thompsonites to be involved in their community and to continue to make Thompson the best place to live, work and play in Manitoba.
In keeping with the mission statement of Thompson Spirit, the Chamber developed or helped developed the following:
Spring Clean Up / Recycling Program
Winter Wonderland
Fur Table beverages
Spring Clean Up / Recycling Program
Each year when the winter snow melts, Thompsonites discover an embarrassment of debris. Much of the litter is recyclable plastic sherry bottles. This led the Chamber to develop a specific Sherry Bottle Return Program at the same time as the City of Thompson’s annual Spring Clean Up. The program is supported financially by the
- Thompson Chamber of Commerce
- City of Thompson
- Manitoba Liquor Control Commission
- Thompson Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation
The Sherry Bottle Return Program offers a cash value of ten cents per bottle. The Mystery Lake Motor Hotel and Thompson Inn partner with the Chamber by accepting the bottles at their respective Beer Vendors. Another partner in the program – the Thompson Recycling Centre – collects the bottles from the Vendors.
Winter Wonderland
In 2003, the Thompson Spirit Committee was pleased to develop a Winter Wonderland partnership with Colleen and Nick Smook of McCreedy Campground, just north of the Miles Hart Bridge over the Burntwood River.
In early December, businesses and community groups were invited to decorate campsites, which opened to visitors as a Winter Wonderland December 10th – January 10th.
Since then, the Committee has continued to support Winter Wonderland in various ways and in 2009 purchased and set up a new “Toyland” animated display.
Winter Wonderland is developed by Nick and Colleen Smook and other volunteers as a sparkling addition to winter nights, and as a fund raiser for the Salvation Army Food Bank and local charities. Price of admission is a cash donation and/or non perishable foods.
Manitoba Trappers Association Fur Table
Thompson has the unique distinction of being the only community in Manitoba which holds a Christmas Fur Table for two days each December. Trappers from the northern region of the province bring their fur pelts to the Fur Table where buyers offer their bids on the furs. Trappers may receive payments ranging from $1 per pelt for squirrel to $200 per pelt for wolverine, depending on the year, the condition of the pelt, and global demand for fur.
The Chamber of Commerce has sponsored hot beverages at the Fur Table for over a decade, most recently with co-sponsorship by the City of Thompson, Thompson Unlimited and the Thompson Regional Airport Authority.