By Heather Fraser
In my experience with fundraising initiatives, the generosity of businesses and individuals in our community never ceases to amaze me.
Our region has been a hub of activity from education and health care and now our new recreation and wellness centre is only a few months away from opening day.
These initiatives in our community on some level have had to rely on the dedication and support from philanthropic-minded supporters and without this commitment we would not experience new opportunities that these pillars of our community will offer.
The Ignite the Spirit Campaign has enjoyed success to date because of this very dedication and support that the citizens of our region have shown to the Central Nova Scotia Civic Centre project.
The campaign team continues to strive to meet the goal of $5 million that was set before us and has achieved success thus far with over $4 million raised, but it is not quite there yet and we need your help to reach the finish line.
"The campaign would not be a success without individuals and businesses in our region stepping up and making the vision of a new recreation and wellness centre for our community a reality," said Jon Stanfield, chairman of the Ignite the Spirit Campaign. "The new facility will be a pillar in our community for a very long time and those who have a part in opening the doors will feel a sense of accomplishment and pride each time they visit the centre."
As part of the fundraising efforts, the Ignite the Spirit Campaign has been awarded the opportunity to hold a charity golf tournament at the Truro Golf Club.
The event will be held on Thursday, Oct. 4 with a shot gun start at 10 a.m. This will be an opportunity to enjoy a round of golf while supporting a very important community project and to celebrate the on-going accomplishments of the campaign.
We are pleased to recognize our tournament title sponsors who are showing their commitment to the growth in our region - Wilsons, PCL and the Truro Golf Club.
The Name that Seat Campaign continues to be an opportunity for individuals and businesses to leave a lasting legacy in the new centre, and many have used this initiative as a way to remember a loved one or to honour a family member or friend.
Angie MacIntyre and her siblings have purchased a seat in the arena in honour of their father, Bob Barrett, who has been a Truro Bearcats supporter for more than 40 years.
Barrett is anxious for the day when he can enjoy a Bearcats game in the new civic centre and see his name on a seat that will remain for his family to see for generations to come.
On behalf of the Ignite the Spirit Campaign team, thank you to the many individuals and businesses who have already supported this very important project for not only Colchester County but for the entire region.
We appreciate what you contribute to this area and for the opportunities that it brings to our community and beyond. For those of you who are thinking about giving a gift to the campaign, please do it today.
How will you leave your legacy? For further details on the Ignite the Spirit charity golf tournament, the Name that Seat campaign or other ways to give a gift, visit our campaign website www.ignitethespirit.ca, phone 893-9706 or email ignitethespirit@colchester.ca. Remember, no gift is too small.
Heather Fraser is the fundraising and public relations assistant for the Ignite the Spirit campaign in support of the Central Nova Scotia Civic Centre.
