Recreation Opportunities for Children Eastman was singled out this week for making a substantial impact on the region.

ROC Eastman, as it is more commonly known as, received the Recreation Connections Manitoba Presidents Award for Outstanding Achievement. Executive Director Moni Loewen says they are floored.

"It's a provincial recognition, which is bigger than we are," says Loewen. "We're a little stunned and incredibly honoured to even be recognized at a provincial level for what we do in the homes of our families living in Eastman."

ROC Eastman has been around since 2009. The organization connects with families to help reduce barriers to participation in activities. The registered Canadian charity serves over 175 children and their families living in poverty.

Loewen explains this particular award is not one they are nominated for. Rather, the board of directors sits down each year and decides which recreation professional or group has made a substantial contribution through a project, initiative, program or event. And this year, ROC Eastman was selected.

"It's really important to us to feel recognized and that we're not alone in this, not that we ever thought we were," explains Loewen. "It's a really large body of people saying, you are doing a good thing and that's incredibly honouring."

She adds it is humbling to realize that out of all organizations and individuals in Manitoba, ROC was chosen.

"It can be a person, it can be a municipality, it can be a facility, it can be a non-profit," says Loewen. "The possibilities are endless in this province."

Back in 2014, ROC Eastman won an award through Community Futures Winnipeg River. The Community Initiative Award was given in recognition of their outstanding efforts, initiative and commitment in undertaking a community-driven project focused on improving the social and economic well being of communities.