More contributions to the Credit Union CUPlex are being sought through a new fundraising effort aimed at the "little guy."
The Hammer Heads - volunteers who had previously been involved in raising funds through the sale of foam hammers in 2008 and 2009 - have donated their time to a new campaign where donors can make monthly, quarterly or annual contributions towards the CUPlex.
According to Dave Whitehead, the team leader for this project, the campaign is aimed at those individuals who may not be able to afford a major contribution but who want to be able to contribute with smaller payments over a number of months.
Major sponsors such as Innovation Credit Union, Northland Power and Battlefords and District Co-op have already stepped forward, and Whitehead says this represents an opportunity for ordinary individuals to be able to make an impact as well.
"This is just that opportunity for the individual to say 'I was a community builder'," Whitehead said. "Perhaps they can say it to their grandchildren."
He said it could be something they can tell those kids when they take them to the theater or the aquatic centre once the facilities are open.
The campaign was launched at a media event held at the Kinsmen Aquatic Centre. That facility will be replaced by the Battlefords Co-op Aquatic Centre. Construction is slated to begin in the coming weeks.
"We felt we needed to make a splash," Whitehead said of the location of the press conference.
Those interested in setting up monthly payments towards the CUPlex can sign up on a pledge form as well as a pre-authorized payment form for Innovation Credit Union.
The monthly donations will be deposited into the "Hammer Heads" account at Innovation Credit Union, and no service charges will be incurred.
The monthly donations will be recorded and at the end of the year the accumulated contributions will be deposited into the account of the City of North Battleford and tax receipts provided.
The payments can also be set up on a quarterly or annual basis.
Keeping track of the accumulated totals will be Hammer Heads volunteers Dave Whitehead, Orest Chrunik and Ervin Temple. Those looking for more information on how to pledge can contact them. Whitehead can be reached at 445-6849, Chrunik at 445-9117 and Temple at 445-8223,
Any amount of money can be donated but a modest minimum is being welcomed, such as $25 per month or $75 every three months, or $300 per year. Whitehead says they are hoping people will sign up for a five-year commitment. There is no limit to what people can give.
For those committing $500 or more, there is eligibility to be recognized for that contribution through such things as a life belt at the pool, a curling rock or a $1,000 seat at the theatre, for example.
