The District of Vanderhoof is one step closer to having it’s own pool.
Zoe Dhillon with the Vanderhoof Aquatic Society says they reached their $500,000 fundraising goal today.
“This community is amazing. It’s a population of five thousand people; yes we had some support from outside with the Nak’azdli, but mostly just within Vanderhoof small businesses and individuals came up with that money. It’s just such a giving community and everybody is looking out for each other and they want the pool.That’s the biggest thing that it says; we want a swimming pool.”
Dhillon says she’s surprised they reached their goal as fast as they did. The Society launched fundraising in June 2014.
The aquatic centre has a total price tag of $12 million. $4 million has already been raised via taxes through a referendum in 2013. That leaves the other $7.5M up to the District to find through grants.
“So far I think they have $1.5M of their $7.5M, so it’s just about $6M left to go and they are feeling confident so we are waiting to hear from them but they do feel confident they’ll get it.” Dhillon said
She added that the group still has a couple of fundraisers coming up; on Saturday a silent auction at the Kinette wine and cheese night will fund the pool, and next weekend a skate a thon will take place.