Donations to the new pool and fitness centre are sitting at 60 per cent of the fundraising committee’s total goal of $1,000,000.
The committee reached a milestone Jan. 31 when Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. wrote a cheque for $50,000, putting the total donations at just about $600,000 for the $15-million project.
Pool fundraising campaign manager Janene Kargus said there is more excitement around the pool as it gets closer to the March opening date.
“Just because the project is getting closer, we are anticipating enjoying this new pool, and we are at a really great energy,” she said. “Everyone’s always wanted to be on board. We have community volunteers to help get the word out and meeting with people, and also more people with feet on the ground so we are reaching more and more people.”
Kargus said that the donations have been coming in over the past couple months, getting them even closer to their goal.
“We are moving forward,” she said. “TransCanada donated $50,000 at the very end of December, Sunset Beach did a very gracious gift of $30,000 in December, the Lions Club did $20,000 in January, and now the Canadian Natural Resources for $50,000.”
In January, it was announced that the pool grand opening was delayed by about a month from a mid-February start to March. At a county council meeting Jan. 8, county manager Ryan Maier said the date had been pushed back due to boiler issues.
“Completion day is going to be mid-March, everything should be all-encompassing, all ready, and their should be an opening ceremony but nobody’s got that far,” said town chief administrative officer Robert Jorgensen.
Kargus said they will be increasing their attraction efforts and doing a county-wide mail out in mid-February so that everyone can participate in the fundraiser.
“It’s all about the sponsorship,” she said. “It’s all about being part of this, and that’s what our community has always been. That’s just what makes our community.”
Kargus said people can call 780-327-4988 to volunteer or make a donation.
