HUMBOLDT — The city is hiring a consultant who will determine what kind of interest is out there for a fundraising effort for a new recreation facility to honour the 2017-18 Humboldt Broncos.
“We did have a number of companies that have said they would like to contribute to some type of memorial for the team, so this is sort of a way of exploring what those are,” said Rob Muench, Humboldt’s mayor.
Saskatoon-based DCG Philanthropic Services specializes in fundraising and sponsorships. They are involved in an effort to upgrade Saskatoon’s Gordie Howe Sports Complex and an effort to raise money for a facility in Edmonton that features 600-seat flex-use midsize acoustic hall, childcare centre, underground parkade, multifunctional spaces and commercial space.
DCG would provide a feasibility study regarding fundraising opportunities, which is expected to cost around $40,000. The money would come from the $800,000 donated to the city by the HumboldtStrong Foundation.
The Humboldt Broncos Memorial Committee has expressed interest in developing a cultural or recreational facility to remember those affected by the 2018 Humboldt Broncos crash. The study would help them determine what kind of funding is out there and, in turn, what kind of facility to focus on.
Muench said the city feels it should use the advice of an expert when it comes to determining what kind of fundraising is possible.
“We would prefer having somebody that has that expertise to do it. They have contacts and leads with different companies and foundations that contribute to these types of projects,” he said.
“We're hoping by utilizing them we’ll be able to do this in a more efficient way and make sure that we proceed down this path in the right direction.”
