The Kamloops Outdoor Skating Association is pleased with the results of its ongoing fundraising campaign to support two community rinks this winter.
The campaign is hoping to raise $10,000 for the Westsyde and Heffley Creek outdoor rinks with $5,000 mean to go to each facility. In an update today, they say the Westsyde rink at Centennial Park has reached its goal, while another $2,738 has been raised for the one in Heffley – a total of $7,738.
“Kamloops loves outdoor skating, and Kamloops is always so generous,” said KOSA Lead Member Nancy Bepple, in a statement. “Donors have helped create wonderful opportunities for fun this winter.”
She says the Kamloops Outdoor Skating Association believes that community rinks will be an affordable, family-oriented outdoor activity this winter with COVID-19 restrictions in place.
“We came up with this fundraising campaign because we saw a need to give kids and families and everyone another healthy open air option during these difficult times”, added James Gordon, another KOSA lead member.
Notable donors include the North Kamloops Lions who donated $350 to Westsyde and TNRD Director Mel Rothenburger who put in $500 from his director fund to Heffley Creek. There was also a sizeable anonymous donation to the Westsyde community association, though the amount was not revealed.
The Kamloops Outdoor Association says the money will help pay for things like shovels, a snow blower, liability insurance for volunteers, pavement sealing, skating aids for kids, as well as hosting events to attract new volunteers.
You can still donate to the Heffley Creek rink on GoFundMe here.