Wanda Harrison | Nov 18, 2019


As 2019 draws to a close, the Kennebec Recreation Committee though that this would be the appropriate time to give all of Arden and update on the fundraising for the Arden Rink Rebuild.

As most of you are aware, the first Fundraising event of the year took place February 2019, at the outdoor rink. Cory Lynn and Cody Matson approached their aunt and uncle with this ridiculous idea of inviting folks to an All-Night Skate-A-Thon. Through the magic of social media and word of mouth, dozens of people showed up to skate and join into the spur of the moment Silent Auction. When the 24+ hour ended, and the cash was counted the money collected totalled $3182.00. This fabulous start fired up the Committee, and future events were planned for the year.

The Summer Trivia night brought in another $1124.00, and by now there were other donations, from private citizens totalling $906.65 plus a generous donation by the Arden Seniors for $500.00.

Not wanting to lose the momentum, plans for the Recreation Committee’s Annual Italian Night took wings. When all was said and done the Italian Night raised an additional $2535.00, and donations continued with the addition of $140.00 from the Family Fun Day event and individual donations totaling $3100.00.

In order to begin the rebuild, it was determined that the initial amount needed was approximately $17,000.00. To help you with the math, our total came in, slightly under, at $11,500.00. Unfortunately, the funds needed for the entire project will exceed $30,000.00.

So, how does the Township of Central Frontenac fit in. In a perfect world, it would step up and do the rebuild, but this is not a perfect world, so other action is required to provide a great place for youth and their families to spend winter months. A grant through Hydro was been applied for and some funding has been asked of the township.

The one thing that everyone must understand, is the funds necessary and the work to be done, is not determined by the Recreation Committee or any members of the same. The grant requested was done on behalf of the Committee but by the Township, as will the Companies that will eventually do the work required. Those companies are required to answer a tender posted and the Township grants that tender, according to the bid.

Will there be another Skate-a-thon in 2020? That has not been determined as yet, but plans are already being made for new fundraising events next year. If you have any ideas regarding fundraising, let us know or just join in, we’d be delighted!! Please remember, if you would like to donate to this worthy cause a cheque or cash, designated for the rink repair, can be made to the Township Office or to any member of the Committee. With every donation a tax receipt will be issued, upon request.

Stay tuned and look forward to 2020 as much as we do. Happy winter everyone.

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