YORKTON – The Yorkton Kinsmen Club presented a $25,000 check to members of the Yorkton Brick Mill Heritage Society August 12 at the organization's Rally Round the Mill event.
The funds are intended to go towards the development of an interpretive centre for the brick mill.
"We were very pleased to receive the $25,000 donation from the Yorkton Kinsmen Club," said Larry Pearen, President of the YBMHS, in an interview with Yorkton This Week, adding, "we knew it was coming but this was the official presentation."
"They do so much for the community," said Pearen in regard to the Kinsmen Club, "this is just one of many projects and they're very generous to all of Yorkton — so we thank them for their support."
In regard to the future project, Pearen said the organization is sitting at about $1.1M of their $2M goal and are hoping to secure a federal grant from the Government of Canada to make up a majority of the difference.
Pearen stated the YBMHS have already secured a contractor for the development with NL Construction set to build the structure after receiving applications from four different businesses.
"We've met with them twice and we're very pleased and excited that they're going to do it," said Pearen, "they've just completed a major project at [Deer Park Golf Course] and that same team is going to be building our new interpretive centre."
Pearen said that construction for the interpretive centre is slated to begin in the fall.
As for the Saturday's rally, Pearen said, "it was a good turnout," noting the weather was expected to be a factor, but "the sun did come out."
"I have to thank all of the volunteers for helping and all of the business sponsors," said Pearen of the 25 sponsors for the event, noting Key Auto Group and the Yorkton Tribal Council were the title sponsors.
"We have to thank each of them at different capacities and different levels. It really helped put it together," said Pearen.
Pearen noted that the organization is always looking for volunteers.
"We're always looking for volunteers — the group's been going since 2010–2011 — so some of them are getting tired and we're looking for new blood," said Pearen, "there's so many different special areas that we need volunteers helping us with."
"If you have an interest in history or local history and want to help us with our project we'd love to see you," said Pearen.
"The exciting thing is we're going forward this fall and that's the big news."
For more information on the YBMHS, visit YorktonFlourMill.ca.
