The fundraising campaign for the new Battlefords Trade and Education Centre campaign is now heading into the final phase.
Campaign leaders for the BTEC My Community Cares campaign are looking to raise the final almost $150,000 in funds by Nov. 20, which would be a year to the day of the official launch last year. The fundraising target they have set is $2.1 million.
Co-chair Rob Rongve and committee member Mark Richardson spoke to the Regional Optimistand have issued a call to members of the community to step forward and make contributions to get over the finish line.
The plan is to count down from $150,000 to the ultimate goal and provide regular updates on the progress. A few announcements are pending, but more is needed, they said.
The fundraising campaign has been a successful one so far, with several naming rights commitments made for parts of the new facility.
“It’s amazing how many people have stepped up,” said Rongve. But a few naming rights opportunities are still available.
“We’re thrilled, and the support has been phenomenal, but we just need those people who were sitting in the weeds to come forward now.”
The sod-turning itself happened earlier this summer and construction is now well underway on the site of the new facility at the corner of Railway Avenue and 105th Street in North Battleford.
The new facility will replace the existing 100-year-old building that has provided programs and services to members of the community living with disabilities for the last several years.
Construction of the new facility is now well along with the building walls now up for part of the building.
However, Richardson said “that’s a bit of the concern, too, is that people see the walls going up and the roof going on, and people think we’re done fundraising. But, that’s not the case. We’ve still a little bit left.”
Rongve says he is happy to see the construction move forward, which will continue until the spring of next year. But the fundraising committee wants to ensure there is no shortfall at the end.
“It’s so good to see the building going ahead and well underway,” said Rongve. “We don’t want to leave any stone unturned.”
For those looking to make a donation, the number to call is 306-445-6141, or make a cheque payable to Battlefords Trade and Education Centre.
As well, the campaign can be followed on Twitter @btecmcc and Facebook at Facebook.com/mycommunitycares. Committee members can also be contacted directly.
They say they hope to be able to make the announcement that they have met the fundraising campaign target in conjunction with the annual art show and sale held at the existing BTEC facility in November.
