Putting a smile on someone’s face is a big part of what a florist does and local Sunshine Flowers N Gifts Florist Cindy Genaille is celebrating her fifth year in business and of bringing smiles to customers. Genaille had been working in the floral industry for many years before she ventured out into owning her own shop.
“I have been in the florist industry since 1994,” said Sunshine Flowers N Gifts Owner and Operator Cindy Genaille. “An opportunity came up to open my own shop and I took a chance. It proved to be a great decision. I love all the customers I have met on my journey here in Swan River.”
Being a florist provides work that is creative, inspiring and always changing. It’s this combination of creativity and change that keeps Genaille so engaged in her work. Her biggest enjoyment from the job comes from the people she gets to interact with every day.
“In the floral world, there are more than just roses when it comes to fresh flowers,” said Genaille. “Customers love mixed arrangements. Many of the flowers come from other countries like Educator, Columbia and South America.
“Giftware changes like everything. There is something new every year. We try our best to keep up and bring in the new trends that we think will please customers in the Valley.
“What I enjoy most about running the floral shop is the customers,” said Genaille. “They are truly what makes a business succeed. I love to make beautiful arrangements for every occasion such as birthdays, weddings, celebrations of life or even for folks to get well. We just love putting smiles on everyone’s faces when they enter and leave our store.”
The Swan Valley community has been very supportive of Genaille’s business. She not only has a strong local base of support from customers, but internationally as well. Genaille accredits her success to customers and the support of one of her work colleagues, and looks forward to the next 10 years in business.
“The support in the Swan Valley is the best,” said Genaille. “I couldn’t ask for better support throughout the Valley and surrounding areas. We have regular customers that see us weekly and get orders from friendly customers as far as Scotland, Mexico and Switzerland.
“I’ve been fortunate to also have the help I received from my number one fan Lynn Hill. We have worked together since 1998 and she is also a big part of what makes this place what it is as well.
“I’m so happy with opening up the shop and I look forward to providing floral arrangements for our beautiful community for many more years to come,” said Genaille.

Swan River’s Royal Canadian Legion Br. 39 facilitated one of countless Remembrance Day services on the morning of Nov. 11, honouring those who have fought in Canada’s Armed Forces since World War One. (TOP LEFT) Swan River’s oldest surviving veteran, Max Dick (centre), attends the service, representing the Korean War... 

The Swan Valley Smash 14U Volleyball Team hosted a competitive, one-day tournament this past Sunday. The host team lost to Flin Flon in the championship final, by scores of 18-25, and 19-25. Pictured here, Maelle Cooke climbs the ladder for an impressive block of a Virden hitter. Looking on are Mia Poole (#7), Molly Fothergill (#6) and Hannah Ter Horst (#9). In addition to Swan Valley, Flin Flon and Virden, a team from Langenburg rounded out the four team tourney. Next action for the Smash will be the weekend of March 22 when they travel to Virden.

The Swan Valley Credit Union partnered with the North West Regional Immigrant Services to host a Newcomer Welcome BBQ on Saturday, Setpember 7 at the Swan Valley Historical Museum.  Train rides, face painting, soccer and a scavenger hunt kept participants busy...  

The Special Olympics Fire Balls Bocce Ball Team had their season windup Thursday evening. Guest players from the Swan River Valley came out to play a mini tournament with the athletes. Food, fun, and laughs were shared by everyone. The team which consists of 11 local athletes play from May to August at the Legion Park Bocce Ball courts.