Committee raises $3.5 million for rec complex
By Chris Simon

Their mission is complete, over $3.5 million later.

The Innisfil Recreation Centre Fundraising Campaign Committee has officially exceeded its $3.5 million goal. After nearly three years, the committee - which consists of volunteers from throughout the municipality - has decided to disband. Co-chair Heather MacDonald says all of the committees goals, including raising the funding, promotion and awareness of the project and engaging residents in the construction process, have been completed.

"The objectives were to raise funds for the new recreation centre, raise awareness and create an opportunity for citizens to become involved," she said, during a presentation to Innisfil council last week.

The committee earned funding through several different streams. They received over $3.1 million through their leadership group, while more than $197,000 in corporate, about $90,700 in community and nearly $25,500 in personal donations were raised. Sport groups also donated nearly $56,500, said MacDonald.

"The total far exceeds our goal," she said. "Volunteers, sponsors and (town) staff all contributed to the time and effort in supporting our cause, but most important are our donors. Without their donations, our campaign could not have accomplished its objectives."

Seventeen people or organizations donated over $50,000 to the complex, said MacDonald.

As part of the campaign, the committee sold 334 seats at the complex. Of those, 179 were purchased by corporations, 93 by residents, 41 by community groups and 21 by sports organizations.

Once complete, the $29 million recreation complex will feature two skating rinks, an aquatics facility, gymnasium, fitness room, and community space. It is expected to be complete sometime this summer.

Councillors say the organization vastly exceeded fundraising expectations. The group actually had to adjust its goal twice, after strong community support, said deputy mayor and committee member Gord Wauchope.

"All members of this committee worked hard," he said. "The first meeting, we thought we could raise $750,000. We reached that in no time, and raised it to $1.5 million. We exceeded that and raised it to 2.1, exceeded that and decided to go all ahead for the 3.5. A lot of people gave out of their hearts."

Others were pleasantly surprised by the final amount raised.

"There was a lot of spirit and dedication to accomplish your goal," said mayor and committee member Brian Jackson. "You kept moving along. It's always a pleasure to have someone come before council and say they've exceeded their goal."