The community fundraising drive for the regional recreation centre in Owen Sound is past the halfway point.
And campaign committee co-chairs Sonya Mount and Tom Rice hope the second half of the $5-million effort is the easy half.
Mount and Rice made a deputation to city council Monday night to talk about the fundraising drive’s success to this point and what the committee hopes for as it moves forward.
The goal has solicited pledges and cash totaling $2.6 million to date from more than 300 individual donors.
Mount and Rice say they expect the momentum to carry the campaign forward as the $38.6-million rec centre continues to take shape at Victoria Park and people begin to grasp the magnitude and importance of the project.
They say they’ve solicited several major corporate donations and have a good case for acceptance because of the regional nature of the project, which they say is badly needed in the Owen Sound area.
The 125,000-square foot rec centre will include two NHL-sized rinks, a health and fitness centre, a walking/running track and two pools.
It will replace the Coliseum and the YMCA, both of which have reached the end of their lifespans.
Other fundraising initiatives will include a direct mail appeal next month to local residents.
People can spread out their donations for up to five years and all donations are eligible for tax receipts.
And the committee is always looking for more help. Anyone interested in donating or in being part of the campaign can call the office at 519-376-0484 ext. 222 or visit the website www.regionalreccentre.ca
