Although a finalist, St. Adolphe did not win the Kraft Hockeyville contest earlier this year and its large $250,000 grand prize. Nonetheless, the organizers behind the campaign are quick to point out that the town has plenty to be thankful for—and the community spirit and good vibes will stick around for a long time to come.
Still, the town’s arena remains in dire need to repairs.
As one of the contest’s three runners-up, the town earned a $25,000 award which they will use to help cover the costs of the most immediate repairs. Insurance will help as well, and some recent fundraising has given the project a boost, too.
Since there still isn’t enough money to fully repair the arena and community club, a group of local organizers have taken the step of establishing a capital campaign to raise funds to fill that gap, as well as fund other important projects that are currently underway or projects that will be needed in the near future.
The arena is an older facility. Its north wall will need to be replaced due to extensive mould damage. The zamboni needs to be replaced. The electronic score clock needs to be updated. Upgrades to high-efficiency lighting are being considered. The dressing rooms will soon be expanded. Also, the attached social hall is in need of upgrades as well.
There is also a lot of equipment at the arena that is either in need of maintenance, expired, or nearing the end of its useful life.
Lorrie Stade, a local volunteer who has been instrumental in rallying the community around the project, says that St. Adolphe has a fantastic committee of fundraisers.
[We’re working closely with talented local resident Leigh McKenzie, a creative entrepreneur who owns Hinge Design,” says Stade. “At the request of many community members, Leigh and Winnipeg artist Kal Barteski have created a St. Adolphe line of clothing with a portion of the purchased products being donated to the St. Adolphe Community Club.”
She adds that many clothing items are already available for purchase, the proceeds of which will go towards the capital campaign.
“Our current merchandise includes hoodies, crew neck sweaters, and T-shirts,” Stade says. “And we plan to offer a wider variety of products in the near future. We want family and friends to be proud of their community for our past, present, and future.”