The local YMCA has surpassed a major fundraising milestone, while moving into a new phase for the Centre for Life.
MORE BELOW
Lyle Vanclief of the Parrott Foundation
On Tuesday afternoon, at their services office on Sidney Street, YMCA Central East Ontario President Dave Allen announced the fundraising campaign has surpassed 67% of their fundraising goal. The Centre for Life Co-Chairs are Kristen Crowe and Ed Lehtinen
The local fundraising team must raise $9 million.
MORE BELOW
On Tuesday, they surpassed $6 million, thanks to a $1 million donation from the Parrott Foundation.
Dave Allen says this type of fundraising simply is not possible without these types of community partners.
“With the generosity that has been demonstrated by people in this community, by business leaders, including of course the Parrot Foundation, who have always been wonderful friends of the Y, we are lucky. Belleville and this entire region is so generous.”
Allen says as incredible as the news is, the campaign team must keep looking forward.
“It’s incredible! There’s still some heavy lifting to do because the construction’s the next phase, and we’ve got some money to raise, but to achieve over six million dollars to date is fantastic.”
Allen says they are in the midst of the environment assessment on the property, the former fairgrounds at Sidney and Bridge Street West.
MORE BELOW
The president says things are looking positive, indicating once they get the go ahead, the plan would be to start construction as soon as possible.
His hope is this spring or summer, with the anticipated completion 18 months later.
The facility is expected to contribute $12 million to the local economy, while providing 100 fulltime jobs.
During the construction phase, over $30 million and 200 fulltime jobs will be supported.
Task Force Engineering is overseeing the project.
