PRESS RELEASES

Civic Centre campaign hits $2.5 million milestone - Posted on 2009-01-06

The Charlotte County Civic Centre Fundraising Campaign has reached the $2.5 million mark.
The campaign is now $1 million away from its $3.5 million goal. Once the group raises its share it will appeal to the federal and provincial governments to contribute to the planned $15 million complex pool and arena complex.
“This week we reached the $2.5 million mark. Actually, we have surpassed it. Over 70 per cent
of our target has been achieved,” said Campaign Co-Chair Peter Heelis.
Division Chair Bob Brown notes that the key to a successful conclusion of the campaign will be
the recruitment of additional volunteers.
“Every donation or pledge, big or small, is the result of the work carried out by three to five volunteers,” Brown said.
Campaign Coordinator Melissa Evans said each volunteer is given training and, as a part of a
small team, selects two or three potential donors to approach.
“We try to keep the workload light and nobody is sent out unprepared or alone.Many of our volunteers are quick to suggest additional potential donors they could help with,” Evans said.
Volunteer and organizer Maria Kulcher said each milestone has been impressive.
“When the committee announced that we had raised the first million and a half, I felt a sudden
attitude change in people. The cynics were hushed. Suddenly, the project became a foreseeable
reality. We could really build this Civic Centre,” she said.
“Then we reached the $2 million mark and I saw a growth in the community’s confidence and
pride. The excitement grew. And now we have passed the $2.5 million milestone. The goal is within our grasp. Not only can we do it, we’re going to do it.”
Division Chair Debbie Gullison heads up the team that will be approaching hundreds of individuals
for pledges. The committee is trying to make those pledges affordable by spreading them
over five years.
“Ask yourself, do I believe in this project? Do I believe that a Civic Centre will benefit our community both recreationally and economically? If your answer is yes, then ask yourself, can I afford to pledge $5, $10, or maybe even $25 a week for five years?” she said.
“It’s not an impossible commitment for most of us. In fact, for some, there is a payroll deduction plan in place to make payments even more painless. These pledges may be small, but they do accumulate. For example, 200 pledges of $10 each week spread over five years adds up to just over $500,000.00!”
Fundraising Campaign Co-Chair Norah Heelis adds, “$2.5 million is wonderful and I’m gratified
by what we’ve done so far, but our goal is $3.5 million. The last million will be the hardest, but
we are well on our way to our final goal.”
She said the committee needs more volunteers for the final push.
“We will be contacting local businesses and asking them to commit to a reasonable pledge
spread over five years,” Heelis said.“We also plan to contact individuals for affordable pledges. But this is labor intensive work. We do need more volunteers. Please consider joining the campaign team and becoming part of this historic project.”
She said the $2.5 million is a significant milestone.
“Citizens from both Charlotte and Washington counties can be proud of what has been accomplished so far, in this major fundraising campaign. Reaching this significant milestone has energized our existing volunteers, and will inspire others to join our team and help us complete our task. After all, we now have less than a million to go,” she said.