Sea Bears partner with True North Youth Foundation to donate 2025 Cambrian Credit Union 50/50 proceeds
WINNIPEG – The Winnipeg Sea Bears of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), together with the True North Youth Foundation, are proud to announce the donation of proceeds from the 2025 Cambrian Credit Union 50/50 program. A total of $54,250 was raised, thanks to the generous support of Sea Bears fans.
Of this amount, 70% will support our ongoing partnership with Buckets & Borders, whose community basketball projects continue to revitalize spaces and bring people together through the game. The remaining 30% will support Project 11, the True North Youth Foundation’s mental health initiative that provides free in-classroom programming for students from kindergarten through Grade 12.
This summer, with the support of 50/50 proceeds, Buckets & Borders completed two major basketball court restoration projects: Northwood Community Centre and R.B. Russell Vocational School. Both courts now provide vibrant, accessible spaces for youth to play and connect, and the Sea Bears and Buckets & Borders are already planning additional projects in the coming years to grow basketball across Manitoba.
“Winnipeg’s basketball scene is thriving. To help fuel that growth, Buckets & Borders proudly partnered with the Winnipeg Sea Bears to restore basketball courts all over the city, an ongoing partnership since 2023. Proceeds from the in-game 50/50 draw are vital to continuing this work, and we’re deeply grateful to the Sea Bears’ fans for their generous support.” said Justin Lee, CEO of Buckets & Borders.
"As a member-owned financial institution with deep ties to our community, Cambrian is proud to support the Winnipeg Sea Bears and the incredible work being done through the 50/50 program," said David Mortimer, President & CEO, Cambrian Credit Union. "Seeing the proceeds go directly to revitalizing community spaces and supporting youth mental health aligns perfectly with our commitment to creating positive change in the communities we serve."
“The Sea Bears remain deeply committed to making a positive impact in our community and working alongside incredible organizations like Buckets & Borders and Cambrian Credit Union allows us to create opportunities that go beyond the game, building connections, celebrating inclusivity, and helping make Winnipeg an even stronger, more vibrant place to live” said Jason Smith, President of the Winnipeg Sea Bears.
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About the Winnipeg Sea Bears
The Winnipeg Sea Bears joined the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) as an expansion franchise in 2023. The city's only professional basketball team plays out of Canada Life Centre from May to August in a 24-game regular season schedule. Winnipeg businessman and lawyer, David Asper, is the organization's owner and chairman.
More information on the Sea Bears can be found at seabears.ca and @wpgseabears on Instagram, X, TikTok, LinkedIn & Facebook.
About the CEBL
A league created by Canadians for Canadians with a mission to develop Canadian players, coaches, sports executives, and referees, the CEBL boasts the highest percentage of Canadian players of any pro league in the country with 75% of its rosters being Canadian and a record 12 players with NBA experience in 2024. Players also bring experience from the NBA G League, top international pro leagues, the Canadian National team program, NCAA programs, as well as U SPORTS and CCAA. More than 20 players have signed NBA contracts following a CEBL season, and numerous CEBL players attend NBA G League training camps every year. The CEBL season runs from May through August with games broadcast live on CEBL+, TSN, TSN+, RDS, Game+ and Next Level Sports & Entertainment. More information about the CEBL is available at CEBL.ca and @cebleague on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook & YouTube.