Seniors group launches letter campaign

The final push is on to raise donations to complete renovations at the New Horizons Community Hall.

Last week 600 letters went out to Yorkton businesses in an attempt to raise approximately $30,000 for exterior work, electrical upgrades, floor refinishing and kitchen upgrades.

Over the past two years, the organization, officially named the New Horizons Senior Citizens of Yorkton has repaired the front steps, installed new carpeting and paneling, repaired the roof and foundation, installed three new energy-efficient furnaces and an energy-efficient water heater, converted a bathroom for wheelchair accessibility and purchased a StairTrak Master to take wheelchair users up and down.

All of this was made possible through grants from the federal government, the Painted Hand Community Development Corp. and the Yorkton Lions Club.

Now the organization is going directly to the community and it's something the community should get behind according to Arliss Dellow, one of the co-chairs of the project. He pointed out New Horizons' constitution has an irrevocable clause that will return the building to the City of Yorkton should the charity ever disband.

Dellow also emphasized the fact that although the group's name includes the words "senior citizens' the club is not exclusive.

Anyone over the age of 18 can be a member for just $5 per year, although only members over 50 may serve on the board.

And there are plenty of activities for all ages including weekly dances, pool, darts, seminars, potlucks and summer barbecues.

New Horizons, which is a registered charity, is also offering incentives above and beyond the charitable tax receipts available for public donations.

For $25 donors will receive recognition by way of a "Thank You" in local newspapers. Individuals who donate $50 will be invited to a reception later in the year. And for $100, donors' names will be included on the club's "Wall of Honour."

For more information, contact Arliss Dellow, 306.783.3447, or Garry Kaschl, 306.783.8838. For memberships, contact Verna Dobko, 306.782.6134.