BRUSSELS – The Inspiring Our Future capital campaign has successfully achieved and surpassed its $2 million fundraising goal, wrapping up the campaign with over $2.4 million.
The campaign began in the spring of 2022 to support the renovation of the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre.
Campaign chair Brian TenPas announced the final fundraising total of $2,468,000 on Dec. 14. “The community centre and arena are the heart of our town. It’s been wonderful to see so many people step up to make sure it will be there for the next generation,” said TenPas.
TenPas believes a modern, quality community centre is necessary to attract businesses and young families that will keep our community thriving for the future.
“The members of the campaign team deserve all the credit for the fundraising success,” states a release from the Inspiring Our Future campaign. “They each gave countless hours and endless energy to ensure the success of the campaign and the community centre renovation.”
The group thanked campaign chair TenPas; deputy chairs Doug McArter and John van Vliet; campaign coordinator Roxane Nicholson; sector chairs Dan Fritz, Michelle Blake and Leisa Albers; honourary advisors Joe Seili, Deb Seili and Neil McGavin; and canvassers Brett and Laura Fisher, Patricia Beuermann, Kevin Deitner, Jeff McGavin, Steve and Marnie Knight, and Jeff Cardiff.
The $2 million fundraising goal has been surpassed, but the entire community centre renovation project will cost over $7.5 million. The remainder of the funding comes from a combination of federal and provincial grants as well as generous municipal contributions from both the Municipality of Huron East and the Municipality of Morris-Turnberry.
The first stages of the construction project are already underway. The outer walls of the extension, which will allow for six larger dressing rooms, are going up. Officials say that while there is still a lot of work to be done, it is heartening to see this long-awaited project begin to take shape.
In addition to the six dressing rooms, the renovated community centre will have a streamlined foyer, unobstructed and heated viewing area, space for a multi-purpose fitness centre, a modernized kitchen, improved auditorium entrance, increased storage for user groups, a modernized sound system and a new roof.
“None of this would be possible without the incredible generosity and support of the community. A big thank you goes out to everyone who made a donation to the Inspiring Our Future campaign,” stated campaign officials. “Together we are making the vision of a modern recreation facility and a thriving community a reality.”
