The fundraising drive for the new recreation facilities on the Coast got a major financial kickstart Monday.
The Sunshine Coast Credit Union presented the Gibsons Area Community Centre Society (GACCS) with a cheque for $100,000. In the process of handing over the funds, the Credit Union also initiated its sponsorship challenge among businesses on the Sunshine Coast.
"This is a wonderful opportunity for us to re-affirm our commitment to the community," said Dale Eichar, CEO of Sunshine Coast Credit Union. "We understand the enormous impact on the quality of life these two centres will have on our citizens."
This sponsorship also celebrates the 65th anniversary of service on the Sunshine Coast for the Credit Union.
"In recognition of this, we are launching the Sun-shine Coast Credit Union Spon-sorship Challenge," added Eichar. "This is a challenge to all businesses on the Coast to support the building of these two centres."
The announcement by the Credit Union also signalled the beginning of a concerted effort by GACCS to generate sponsorship for the facilities.
"This is incredible news for the Sunshine Coast," said Rob Corlett, chair of GACCS. "This is the kind of commitment to community that makes us all proud."
Hop-kins Landing resident Geran Capewell, president of the B.C. Fund-raising Network, developed the GACCS fundraising program.
"It is vitally important in any successful fundraising campaign to engage all the groups in a community," said Capewell. "The Sunshine Coast Credit Union Sponsorship Challenge is one of several components to our fundraising efforts."
In a follow-up interview with Coast Reporter, Capewell said GACCS has several unique fundraising initiatives and legacy programs planned.
"We're really starting to build momentum," he said. "Businesses up and down the Coast will have the opportunity to be active and involved in the process and have a huge impact on these facilities that will benefit everyone on the Coast."Capewell said further announcements on the fundraising efforts would be announced in the coming weeks.
Monday's presentation also involved representation from the Town of Gibsons, including Mayor Barry Janyk and councillors Gerry Tretick, Chris Koopmans and Bob Curry.
Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) chair John Rees was also on hand, as was former SCRD director Celia Fisher.Rees paid special recognition to Fisher for her efforts.
"This was Celia's pet project. She should be commended for her tireless efforts to make days like this come true," Rees said. "This is a wonderful day. On behalf of the SCRD board I would like to thank the Sunshine Coast Credit Union and GACCS. GACCS and the SCRD have not always seen eye-to-eye, but they've always been there. We're so pleased to see they're ready to take off on this fundraising effort."
