Stocked with tables, chairs and new kitchen equipment, the long campaign to build and furnish the addition at the Juan de Fuca 55+ Activity Centre as drawn to a close.
The last major donation rolled in last Thursday, $10,000 from the Peninsula Co-op that will help replace aging machines in the woodworking room.
In all, the year-long fundraising effort brought in just under $50,000, admittedly short of their goal, said Allen Houghton, the volunteer fundraising chair with the JDF Senior Citizens Association. The volunteer fundraising crew had its sights set on $120,000.
B次元官网网址淚t was the first time weB次元官网网址檇 gone out to the community to seek support,B次元官网网址 Houghton said. B次元官网网址淲e didnB次元官网网址檛 get as much as weB次元官网网址檇 hoped, which is suggestive of the economic climate. It was something of a disappointment.B次元官网网址
The JDF seniors centre opened its $1.4-million, 6,660 square-foot addition last September. Over seven years, the membership raised $540,000 itself, but a $645,000 federal infrastructure grant gave the project the boost it long needed to break ground.
Houghton said the $50,000 will go far to buy and replace whatB次元官网网址檚 needed at the busy seniors centre. As it always has, the membership will come through with the funds for any extras that are needed, he said.
B次元官网网址淲e havenB次元官网网址檛 lost anything and we brought in $50,000 that we wouldnB次元官网网址檛 have had,B次元官网网址 Houghton said. B次元官网网址淚n that respect we are very pleased with the results. WeB次元官网网址檒l just need to sort out our priorities. Whatever is needed, they will find ways.B次元官网网址
A consequence of the public outreach was drawing in 300 more members, Houghton said, bringing the wintertime membership to 1,200. B次元官网网址淲hen the snowbirds return, weB次元官网网址檒l end up with 1,500 people here.B次元官网网址
The Juan de Fuca 55+ Activity Centre at 1767 Island Hwy. See www.jdfseniors.shawbiz.ca.