The effort to raise money for a new downtown community services hub entered a new phase this week.
Over the next 16 weeks, Sea to Sky Community Services (SSCS) and its Building Opportunities Capital Campaign are aiming to raise $160,000 from a variety of local entities as part of the initiative to reach the Centrepoint Capital Campaign’s $3 million fundraising target.
In 2013, SSCS officials launched the campaign to garner community support for the $8.3 million project, which would result in the construction of a new SSCS office and service centre that includes a social housing component at the corner of Fourth and Victoria streets. A partnership with Squamish United Church, which owns the property, it would also result in the building of a new church.
Large donors, including the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation, Squamish Savings and governments, have so far contributed $1.15 million toward Centrepoint. The community fundraising phase launched this week with a $25,000 contribution from BMO’s Squamish branch.
In each of the next 16 weeks, the logos of contributing businesses will go up on a sign erected Monday on the Re/Max Sea to Sky Real Estate property to allow the community to monitor the campaign’s progress.
“We are so grateful for the major donations we have already had from local businesses,” Lois Wynne, SSCS executive director, said in a statement. “BMO’s very generous donation is such a fantastic start to this community campaign.”
The chambers of commerce of Squamish, Whistler and Pemberton have endorsed the effort to make Centrepoint a reality, as the more than 40 programs run by SSCS benefit citizens in all three communities.
“SSCS’s work… results in happier homes, safer streets and better work environments — which helps every one of us,” said Elliot Moses, Squamish Chamber of Commerce executive director. “We owe it to ourselves to help build Centrepoint. I encourage all Chamber members and future Chamber members to join in this extraordinary project.”
For more information, visit the campaign website at www.BuildingOpportunities.ca
