What's Going On With the Miners Union Hall? A Fund-Matching Campaign -- a $25,000 "pot of gold"
By Ann Damude
For almost 120 years the Rossland Miners Union Hall has been the heartbeat of our community. It’s here that we’ve gathered to dance, to sing, to marry, to celebrate, and to say goodbye. Now the grand old girl is entering an exciting new phase in her life and the life of our community. And she needs your help!
The City will be doing renovations including replacing the leaking roof, repairing and painting damaged siding, removing the old brick chimney, and improving the entry way. The aim is to preserve this well-loved community building to serve Rossland for many more years, and make it safer and more comfortable.
The Rossland Council for Arts and Culture (RCAC) is leading a project to increase the amount of usable space in the Miners Hall by renovating the attic level.
The Attic Renovation Project – slated to begin this summer – is entering its last stages of fundraising. With $310,000 of $491,000 secured, RCAC is pushing hard to secure the last of the funding needed to transform the existing cold and dusty attic space to a warm and inviting gathering spot. The renovation will create a multi-purpose room, meeting lounge, kitchenette, storage, washrooms, as well as a performers green room.
“We were contacted by a community member last month, who offered to contribute $10,000 to the Attic Renovation if the community would match that amount. Since then several other donors have added to the pot, and we now have $25,000 available for matching”, explains Renate Fleming, RCAC President.
The Attic Reno Matching Fundraiser launched on February 17th and will only run for 30 days. “Coincidentally, our final donation day is March 17th – St Patrick’s Day”, laughs Ann Damude, who is volunteering with the campaign. “So we’re telling folks that for every dollar donated, some generous local leprechauns will match their donation, dollar for dollar, from their $25,000 pot of gold.”
And RCAC, working with the City of Rossland is making it easy for the community to donate! Donations can be made through local on-line fundraising site YODEL http://minershall.yodel.org/ or you can walk into City Hall or Nelson & District Credit Union and deliver your donation. Any donations over $25 are eligible for a tax receipt.
“This is a great opportunity for community members to make their contribution really count. Together we can turn $25,000 into $50,000 ,” states Fleming, “And create new spaces in the Miners Hall that will benefit the whole community for another 120 years.”
For more information on the matching campaign, contact Ann at 250-362-5617 or adamude@telus.net More information on the Miners Hall Renovation & Restoration project can be found at http://rosslandartscouncil.com/Miners-Hall
