Dear Editor
Recently chunks of plaster started to fall from the exterior of the Battlefords Trade and Education Centre. This is just the latest problem in a long list of maintenance issues, with repairs to the facade in the planning stage. This spring the steps up to the now usable door had to be replaced as they were crumbling and unsafe. The old boiler heating system broke down and three new furnaces were installed. Chimney bricks began falling and had to be repaired and a leaky roof needed reshingling. It's very hot in the summer, inconsistently heated in winter and constantly in need of repairs.
The 101-year-old armouries building houses a day program for people with disabilities. Along with its many maintenance issues the old two-storey building is not suitable as some clients cannot climb the stairs.
Plans for a new building are in the works. A government grant of $2 million left a shortfall of $1,250,000. To date $462,000 of this has been raised through the guidance of the fundraising committee.
Looking at the difficulties faced by the participants and staff you might think this would be a depressing atmosphere. You would be wrong.
The participants are working hard to help raise the money necessary to get them into a new facility. They make and sell 100 birthday cards a month to Scott Campbell Dodge. Many are developing a new skill under the tutelage of artist Lenora Hordas. They are becoming artists in their own right. The art program not only gives them a creative outlet it contributes to their esteem. As skills increased the therapeutic program led to the sale of the paintings.
After three art shows and a number of auctions over $18,000 has been raised by the sale as word of their talent has spread. The fourth annual show will be held Nov. 29.
A used bookstore is housed in the current BTEC day centre and the latest art works are hanging waiting for the November sale. You are welcome to stop by and buy a book and view the art being readied for the upcoming sale.
With a number of large fundraisers recently held throughout the Battlefords it has been challenging to raise the funds needed to build the new centre. The fundraising committee would like some help with their projects and would welcome new ideas to assist in reaching their goal. Donations would also be gratefully accepted.
Margaret Snauwaert
North Battleford
