Conexus Credit Union is supporting the future of Regina’s Globe Theatre with a $500,000 donation toward the theatre’s major revitalization project.

The investment will help support the transformation of the historic theatre and contribute to its long-term sustainability as an important cultural and community space in Regina.

"We as credit unions are committed to supporting our members and their ambition, and that's how we play a role," said Conexus CEO Celina Philpot.

For Conexus, the contribution reflects the credit union’s commitment to strengthening the communities it serves — demonstrating how credit unions can make a meaningful difference beyond financial services.

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Source: CBC News

Conexus Credit Union donates $500,000 to Regina's Globe Theatre

In the wake of an emergency grant from the City of Regina, the Globe Theatre and its financial institution announced a major capital contribution to help cover the costs of its renovations.

Conexus Credit Union has contributed $500,000 to support the theatre's recent capital project.

"We as credit unions are committed to supporting our members and their ambition, and that's how we play a role," said Conexus CEO Celina Philpot.

The capital project was an upgrade for the theatre's home, a 68,000-square-foot heritage building that was rebranded as MacCorquodale Place after another donation from a local family.

"A month or so ago, we had $16 million left on the capital campaign. And now with this gift, the City of Regina and a few other large contributors, we're down to $12 million left of raising money for the capital," said the theatre's executive director, Oz Weaver.

The Globe has been a client of Cornerstone, which is now a Conexus Credit Union, for a long time, Weaver said.

"The credit union came and said, 'Yeah, we believe that you're going to finish this fundraising and we want to see these doors open.'"

Philpot said it's vital to keep the Globe going. 

"We are committed to supporting what the Globe is all about. So this gift was done for the Globe from Conexus for the purpose of alignment of what we believe they're doing here."

Philpot said the arts are the heart of the community.

"It's often the things that get less funded because there's always a demand for resourcing and funding. But it is the heartbeat of your community," she said.

"So without it, you lack that personality, that distinction, that vibrancy."

Weaver said the Globe is a driver of the city's economy.

"It's a pretty big, sizable chunk of what we bring to the city and southern Saskatchewan. We also bring a lot of vibrancy and vitality to downtown Regina and we are a hub of the performing arts and entertainment downtown," he said. 

Without it, there would also be a huge gap in the cultural experience in the city, Philpot said. 

"I like to follow travel writers and they often say, 'People don't come to visit your suburbs. They come to experience your cities, your downtown and your people.' So we need to create those inviting spaces to welcome others to come and meet with us."