The Swift Current branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association has been at it for 40 years, and they celebrated their anniversary yesterday with a barbecue.

Executive Director Jacqui Williams joked afterwards that air conditioning is the best thing (as the area is in the middle of a heat wave), but wasn't kidding when she said how appreciative they are of the backing they get from people and groups in Swift Current.

"We had such a phenomenal, phenomenal turnout. And it shows the community support that Swift Current has put behind us and our organization."

The branch also received a check worth $1,747.65 recently from W.W. Smith Insurance with money raised from the Frontier Days pancake breakfast back in June.

Williams said that money goes a long ways, as they put on a number of programs and meals.

"$1,700 is a significant amount here. We serve a cold breakfast, hot lunch five days a week; we serve approximately 8,000 meals a year - that doesn't come cheap."

The branch receives government funding, but also relies on money coming in from the community.

Each year they send volunteers to the pancake breakfast, and W.W. Smith sends them money. Williams said this year's total was a big one.

Councillor Ron Toles sent out this tweet yesterday: