Out of the Cellar, in downtown Rossland, has become the first local business to get behind the drive to raise money to get a huge community resource, St Andrew’s United Church, habitable and future fit.
The boutique shop which specializes in high quality gifts, homeware and mountain lifestyle fashion is donating 50 per cent of the sales from its Rossland themed pottery range in May to the fundraising drive.
Comprising of mugs, bowls, trivets and plates, the hand painted collection features the iconic 120-year-old Church with its landmark red roof, which sits on the corner of Queen Street and 1st Avenue.
Jeremiah (potter) and Micah (painter), from Pridham Studio in Creston, are the creative team behind the distinctive collection which draws on the couple’s love for their BC roots, its landscapes and local scenes.
“I’ve often wondered how I could contribute to St Andrew’s Church, so this is perfect,” said Janet Fraser, a strong community influencer and local business mentor who has owned and operated Out of the Cellar for the last 25 years.
“This is such a generous gesture which, together with the individual contributions we’ve been receiving, will help us reach our fundraising goal and hopefully inspire support from other local businesses to benefit the community as a whole,” said Brenda Hooper, who sits on the project management team for St Andrew’s United Church, which along with Trail United Church, belongs to the Communities in Faith Pastoral Charge (CIF).
It is hoped that local benefactors and businesses will get on board for the latest aspect of the fundraising drive: To help the stewards of this community asset raise matching funds for their next grant application.
More than $100,000 is needed to complete upgrades to the heritage building and qualify it for occupation.
The onus will now be on the community to rally around, keep the fundraising momentum going and raise just a portion of the grant through donations.
“With a lack of venues of this size and nature in Rossland, we’re hoping that businesses will see the potential of having this new local space and many more will step forward to help us open up by December, securing the building’s future for the next 100 years too,” added Hooper, suggesting that business leaders could use the revamped community hub for a range of functions, including fashion shows, gigs, meetings, networking, life and social events.
“Raising the 100K we need is an overwhelming hurdle but, with match funding, we can bring down our fundraising target to one that’s easily within our reach. Every single donation, whether it’s big or small, really counts.
“Living in a community which really cares, we know they’ll do whatever they can do to help!”
To make the rehabilitation project of the church complete, the work needs to be financed through grants and charitable giving.
Donations qualify as charitable donations with up to a 46 per cent tax rebate.
Donations can be sent via e-transfer to cifpc.trail@gmail.com, by cheque to Communities in Faith Pastoral Charge – 1300 Pine Ave., Trail, BC, V1R 4E6, or on their website at cifpc.ca. Go to ‘Donate Now’ and use CanadaHelps.org.
Please designate funds to St Andrew’s Facilities and be sure to include your name, address, and phone number in order to receive a charitable receipt.
Read: Community spirit calls for church renos
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