Oddfellows and Rebekahs make good on pledge to NFCA

Sharon Rattray and Howard Warner present their final cheque to Jim Stinson (centre), manager of the NFCA

Sharon Rattray and Howard Warner, respectively treasurer and vice grand of Harrowsmith’s Oddfellows and Rebekahs, presented the North Frontenac Community Arena ‘s manager Jim Stinson with a cheque for $2000, the final installment of the group’s total $5000 donation to the Arena’s expansion project.

Stinson recalls, “They were either the first or the second pledge that came in in 2005 when the project began and we were first looking for money." The group pledged $1000 per year since 2005 and came in a year early with their final installment.

Rebekah Brenda Taylor who was present at the presentation recalled, “At the time Bill Robinson was on the arena’s fundraising committee and I babysat for him and he asked me if we would be willing to donate.” Warner joked, “I think Jim’s mother threatened us too.” Vera Stinson has been a Rebekah for 55 years.

Joking aside, both Rattray and Warner were pleased to be able to finalize their commitment to the project and both “felt great” to be able to make the final cheque presentation.

The funds were raised through the various events that the Harrowsmith club sponsors, including the youth dances, bake sales and various other events.

Warner, who’s been an Oddfellow since 1968, recalls fundraising for the original building of the arena in the 1970s. Stinson added, “Over the years the club has been sponsoring us on an ongoing basis in a number of ways.”