Activate Penticton Society (APS) is only $40,000 away from reaching its $400,000 fundraising goal to secure the completion of Penticton’s new outdoor skating rink to open by mid-December.
The anonymous donor who said they would double donations during the month of October has now extended the commitment for the remaining weeks of November, said APS president Drew Barnes.
“Our community is rallying around the vision for a more vibrant downtown core and I am incredibly grateful for all donations, large and small. I am hopeful that with one last fundraising push we will secure the funds needed to open the rink before the holidays. If you have been considering donating, now is the time,” said Barnes
On Wednesday, APS announced that with the support of local individuals and businesses, it raised $360,000 in October.
“We look forward to honouring our major sponsors with recognition in pride of place at the new rink. We encourage those who want to support us to act quickly so that your support, commitment to our community and love of the ice are preserved at our new rink for generations to come,” Barnes said.
All donors, regardless of amount, will be invited to be among the first on the ice at the anticipated December launch, said Barnes. The platinum sponsors (donations above $25,000) so far are Graham and Sue Fraser, George and Sylvia Melville, Inland Kenworth, Peter’s Bros Construction Ltd., Grizzly Excavating, Okanagan Hockey School and First West Credit Union (Valley First).
Valley First has made a three-year financial commitment to not only make Penticton’s new outdoor ice rink a reality but ensure that skating and equipment can be free for all.
Valley First, a division of First West Credit Union, along with its philanthropic partner First West Foundation, has committed $62,000 over three years: $25,000 for an immediate donation, which will be supplemented by another $25,000 donation in 2022 and a $12,000 donation in 2023.
READ MORE: Penticton’s outdoor rink scores new funding to make skating free
Construction of the new outdoor public skating rink is already underway right now at 107 Martin Street, south of Gyro Park and northwest of City Hall.
Donations can be made at activatepenticton.com or by cheque to Activate Penticton Society, 210 Hastings Avenue, Penticton, V2A 2V6. Charitable receipts are available upon request.
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