The Rotary Club of Penticton has donated $50,000 to the Community Foundation of the South Okanagan|Similkameen for the new Youth Resource Centre.
This completes a $150,000 pledge that the Rotary Club made to the YES Project in fall 2017.
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“It’s really incredible to see the level of commitment and support from these Rotarians,” said Aaron McRann, executive director of CFSOS in a news release. “Rotary clubs are traditionally very supportive of their communities, of course, and this club is no exception. However, a donation this large really exemplifies their dedication to youth and families in our community.”
Peter Graham, president of the Rotary Club of Penticton for 2018-19, was excited to present the cheque for the final donation to the pledge.
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“We really have an amazing club. What most people don’t realize is that our members are working hard to support local needs. We host events, sell raffle tickets and do many other fundraisers just so we can make a difference. This is the latest in a long line of worthy projects supported by this club.”
The Rotary Club’s donation of $150,000 moves CFSOS one step closer to its goals of raising money for the Youth Resource Centre at 501 Main St. The current campaign, called “Futures Start Here,” is focused on raising $1.2 million to renovate the main floor of the youth centre.
This 6,000 square foot space will become home of Foundry Penticton, a provincial youth services initiative operated by OneSky Community Resources Society.
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“It’s safe to say that without the club’s early and full support we probably wouldn’t have been able to purchase this building,” said McRann of the new youth resource centre. “In total this building is 21,000 square feet and it will be 100 per cent dedicated to youth resources and activities. The second floor is already fully occupied with four agencies so we’re really excited to get renovations underway for the Foundry, as the anchor tenant on the main floor.”
OneSky Community Resources is getting set to begin renovations within the next month.
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“It’s great to be getting started on this now,” said Ian Gerbrandt, director of Child, Youth and Family Services for, OneSky. “A great deal of work has gone on so far, mostly behind the scenes, and now the community will start to see things happening. Hopefully, seeing that activity inspires community members to give as we still have a ways to go on this campaign.”
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Contributions to the Futures Start Here campaign are currently be matched one-to-one by an anonymous donor up to a total of $200,000. Naming opportunities are available for many of the rooms inside Foundry Penticton. Foundry Penticton’s donor wall will provide recognition for all gifts over $5,000.
The matching money does not count towards the value of naming rights. To capitalize on this unique opportunity, or to learn more about Foundry Penticton and the Youth Resource Centre, please contact the Community Foundation of the South Okanagan|Similkameen at 250-493-9311 or www.cfso.net/penticton-youth-centre.
