Civic Centre hits $2 million mark

By Courier Staff

ST. STEPHEN – The Charlotte County Civic Centre fundraising efforts reached another milestone Monday with the announcement that the committee has now raised $2 million toward its $3.5-million share of the project.
“It’s a significant milestone and we’re proud of the work done so far by hundreds of volunteers,” said Peter Heelis, co-chair of the Charlotte County Civic Centre Fundraising Campaign.
“But we’re not done yet. Our goal is $3.5 million and we’re going to do it.”
The committee is charged with raising the money before the federal and provincial governments can commit their expected $5 million each toward the $15-million project. Plans for the civic centre include an ice surface, indoor pool, walking track, retail space and conference rooms.
Richard Fulton, chairman of the project’s board of directors, said he remembers how it all started with a few excited volunteers whose dream of a new Civic Centre has now become the vision of hundreds of active supporters. People all across our region from all walks of life, young and old, see this centre as more than just a building, more than just another sports complex, he said.
Community activist Maria Kulcher said the building of the new Civic Centre is a clear sign that St. Stephen is a vibrant community open for business and eager to move forward.
The new Civic Centre, she said, is encouraging our youth to return, to stay, and to invest in the future of their hometowns. They see the new Civic Centre stimulating growth by attracting new people and businesses to the region.
“The supporters see the new Civic Centre as evidence of our hopes for and our faith in the future of our community,” she said.
Fundraising Co-Chair Norah Heelis said the fundraising is a wide-spread effort and that volunteers are organized and ready to raise the remaining $1.5 million.
“Over 100 volunteers have been working steadily for more than a year to reach the $2 million milestone. Now we’re there and we celebrate that fact,” she said. “But we also recognize that we still have to raise another $1.5 million. We are confident that we can do it. We are well organized and we have a comprehensive plan to complete the task.”
Volunteers have approached major donors and foundations all across Canada to raise the $2 million. The largest single donation of $174,000 came from Robert Quartermain, who was born and raised in St. Stephen but who is now a successful businessman in British Columbia. Organizers said they are still waiting for a final decision from several of those contacted and the indications are hopeful.
The fundraising campaign is now entering its second phase – an appeal to Charlotte and Washington County. Local businesses and individual citizens are being approached for financial support.
Volunteers will be asking those who will benefit most from the new centre to commit to the project by becoming donors.
Volunteer Steve Backman said it’s painless to contribute.
“Not everybody can afford to write a big cheque, but everybody can help,” he said.
Donations can be spread over five years and made weekly, monthly or even annually. $50 a month becomes a $3,000 donation over five years while $5 a week becomes a $1,300 donation.
St. Stephen Town Councillor and volunteer Ralph Williams said the St. Stephen area is a greater community of more than 10,000 people who can benefit from the civic centre.
This second phase of the campaign, appealing to individuals, is labour intensive and time consuming. Volunteer canvassers are now being trained to help pitch the project to potential donors. The fundraising committee has recruited volunteers from various businesses and organizations but they’re looking for more help.
“If you have the time and the inclination to help with Phase Two, call the Charlotte County Civic Centre office at 466-5095 and speak with our co-ordinator, Melissa Evans,” said Charlotte County Civic Centre Honourary Committee Co-Chair David Ganong.