Donors and stakeholders celebrate the wrap-up of the Community Builder Campaign on Nov. 26. (Photo/Nic Fransoo)

By Julia Lovett-Squires

ML Centre Wrap

That’s a wrap: Community Builder Campaign hits $5.7M after only one year for CO-OP Centre; more coming in

Nov 26, 2024 | 6:20 PM

Now that the Community Builder Campaign for the new CO-OP Centre in Meadow Lake is wrapping up, Linda Harman is awestruck.

“It’s almost a bit of disbelief that in one year, we’ve raised close to $6 million,” said Harman who serves as one of the fundraising committee’s chairs.

The event was held at the Meadow Lake Civic Centre and residents and stakeholders came out to celebrate the raising of just over $5.7 million and more money is pouring in.

“If you had told me that last year I would’ve just asked ‘How is it possible’ but it’s just been amazing to see the response from the community.”

Donors from all walks of life participated in the effort to bring the future of Meadow Lake to fruition and as a result created a true community investment. The first gift came in the form of the initial $3 million from the Meadow Lake CO-OP but over the course of the year, others stepped in.

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“We’ve also had…retired people, people with young families, farmers, just a real cross section of our community.”

According to Mayor Merlin Seymour, ‘It’s an awesome feeling’ to the wrap come to pass.

“I had the opportunity to go through the facility on Wednesday with our council members and ‘Wow’ is all I can say,” he said while speaking with Nic Fransoo, program director with Pattison Media during a live remote event.

One of the initiatives to help raise funds was through the 42 tonne/12 Steer Club.

“It’s basically a way that we wanted to get the agriculture community of Meadow Lake involved because that is a key part of this community,” said Tom Gorsalitz, associate for DCG Philanthropic Services Inc., and community builder campaign.

While speaking with Fransoo, he explained that ranchers and farmers can donate 42 tonnes or 12 steers, which equals $25,000 over five years and that would earn you a spot in the club.

“Our goal is to get on the Zamboni, which is a $250,000,” he said, noting that they are $50,000 shy of reaching their goal.

“We’re really close.”

According to Regan Beck, manager with Parks and Recreation, the fundraising process has been “amazing.”

“I’m blown away, I mean the dollar amount is unbelievable, when you think of the size of Meadow Lake and the surrounding area to get that,” he said, speaking with Fransoo.

“It’s obvious people are very passionate about their community and very passionate about this project.”

Beck said that because of the community’s combined effort, they’re going to exceed their goal.

“I never would’ve thought we could’ve done that and so, it’s amazing.”

For Harman, that effort has also made a difference to the project itself as the extra money raised went towards additional amenities like pavement and lighting.

“We’ve seen already what the dollars have done in terms of the project and the direction it’s going,” she said of the “essential” elements.

As for the donors, the team is grateful and excited to have everyone’s support. Harman said seeing the older residents contribute also touches her.

“They see the future, they see what this can mean for maybe they’re getting to the point in their life where they might not use it as much, but they see that this is something that is going to be a continued legacy for our community.”

– With files from Nic Fransoo and Matt Ryan

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julia.lovettsquires@pattisonmedia.com

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