Locals line up for good eats at the Co-Op Community Builder Campaign kickoff on June. 25. (Photo/Nic Fransoo)

By Julia Lovett-Squires

Co-Op fundraiser

Kick off to the CO-OP Centre community fundraiser underway

Jun 25, 2024 | 12:57 PM

Sunshine, barbecue and a community coming together to help fundraising efforts for a future recreation and event complex has the people of Meadow Lake excited.

The official kickoff to the Co-Op Community Builder Campaign is currently underway to help reach the $6 million goal and local volunteers, organizers, donors and radio personalities from both CJNS and Q98 are on location at the Meadow Lake Co-Op (513 9th St., W) to share what the event means and what the future building will do for the community and surrounding area.

“The Meadow Lake Co-Op Community Centre is going to be the heart to the community,” said Nic Fransoo, program director with Pattison Media.

He explained the facility will feature a 1,500-seat arena, the innovationplex– a multi-purpose field house – and an events centre, which will have an estimated seating capacity of 350 and 500 for standing room.

Fransoo called it a “huge boon” for the community and said it would offer residents a place to gather.

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“It’s pretty exciting stuff, you know, there’s just no end to the possibilities.”

According to Philip Blatz, fundraiser committee member, they had a “great start” to the campaign’s beginning after large companies stepped up to donate.

“I think now we’re just trying to reach our goal,” he said of the roughly $1.5 million left to be raised.

“The day right now, we have a pretty welcoming atmosphere,” he said.

“Community members are driving up, enjoying a barbecue, a hotdog, burgers, chips, you know, drinks and just more discussion on the progress of the field house and the arena.”

Fransoo said the remote is all about spreading the word and getting people to come out and give whatever they can and said no donation was too small. As a radio personality, he also felt invested.

“Community is why we’re here,” he said, noting they want to reflect towns they serve.

“We want to hold up a big mirror and show you how awesome you really, truly are.”

Meanwhile, he, along with CJNS host Matt Ryan will be on air throughout as the event wraps at 2 p.m.

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julia.lovettsquires@pattisonmedia.com

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