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Kinsmen receive more donations

A trio of donations have pushed the Estevan Kinsmen Club closer to their fundraising goal for a new outdoor arena at their play park in the Hillside subdivision.
Kinsmen Donation
From the left, Estevan Kinsmen Club treasurer Dan Harden, Affinity Credit Union District Council 12 board member Duane Chipley, Estevan Kinsmen Club publicity director James Jones, Affinity District Council 12 Fund board member Dennis Bode and Estevan Kinsmen Club vice-president Joe Gervais participate in a cheque presentation.

A trio of donations have pushed the Estevan Kinsmen Club closer to their fundraising goal for a new outdoor arena at their play park in the Hillside subdivision.

The Kinsmen received cheques for $2,500 from Regens Disposal, $5,000 from Power Dodge and $21,663 from Affinity Credit Union’s District Council 12 Fund on Nov. 4.

The rink will have a cement pad that will measure 60 feet by 120 feet, and boards will be constructed for the perimeter. 

Dave Elliott, a member of the local Kinsmen Club who is heading up the outdoor arena project, said they now have about $126,000 of the estimated $180,000 needed for the facility.

“We’re in conversation with a number of different businesses, still, about sponsorship packages,” said Elliott. “We get new calls every week. We’re confident that the community is going to be there to support us in finishing this venture.”

The Kinsmen Club wants to have the money in place before they begin work on the project.

“Once the construction starts, the bills start coming in, and everyone wants to get paid,” said Elliott.

Elliott expects construction will begin next April, and he wants to see a grand opening ceremony take place on July 1, 2017, which would coincide with the Kinsmen’s annual Canada Day celebrations at the play park, and Canada’s 150th birthday bash.

The South East Sask. Roller Derby Association has been partnering with the Kinsmen on the project, as the roller derby club will use the cement pad for practices during the spring and summer months. 

For the second straight year, the Kinsmen will host a community Christmas party as a fundraiser for the outdoor rink. Businesses and organizations can have their Christmas parties together. The evening will feature supper and entertainment. 

The event will be held on Dec. 9 at the Beefeater Plaza. It costs $50 per person.

Elliott added they will have a couple of fundraisers in the new year that he expects will push them over their $180,000 goal. And if they raise additional funds, an open-sided covering will be added to the project, to protect the ice from damage from the sun, and reduce the amount of snow on the ice.