OXBOW - A benefit organized by the Saskarc Group, an Oxbow-based business, has generated $60,000 for the Oxbow rink ice plant fundraising campaign, bringing the total to $489,194 of the $600,000 goal.
"We're at about $490,000 in less than a year. We started campaigning last September," said Treena Mohrbutter, community development officer for the Town of Oxbow, highlighting the community's support for the initiative.
Saskarc reached out in June, expressing an interest in supporting the project.
"They reached out to us to ask if they could help in some way. They're a very large business here in town, so we said that would be amazing," Mohrbutter said.
"It is an honour for Saskarc to be part of the Oxbow arena's fundraising campaign for a new ice plant," said Tanita Shimwell, sales and marketing assistant with Saskarc Inc. "We deeply value the community we belong to and are committed to providing support in any way we can.
"This cause is especially meaningful to us, as many of our team members and their families have enjoyed using the Oxbow arena for many years, and look forward to doing so for many years to come."
To raise funds for the project, Saskarc reached out to nearby businesses and partners, gathering widespread support, Shimwell said. Additionally, Saskarc's group of companies made a significant contribution, further underscoring their dedication to the community. The effort culminated with a fundraising event, which featured activities and donation areas, allowing attendees to join them in supporting the cause.
The final event included shop tours, a barbecue by donation, a dunk tank, street hockey and curling, and other activities for children and families.
"Saskarc's involvement in the Oxbow community extends beyond this initiative. We recently sponsored a new ice resurfacer for the arena, and our continued efforts are a testament to our belief in giving back to the community that has supported us over the years," Shimwell said. "We are privileged to contribute to enhancing the Oxbow arena, ensuring it remains a centre for sports and recreation for years to come."
"It was a great event to bring awareness to what we're trying to do. And it just showed how the community is all behind it," said Mohrbutter.
She praised the local and broader community's involvement with the fundraising campaign. In addition to local contributions, the campaign has received support from province-wide companies, and the board has also been applying for grants.
Fundraising efforts are ongoing, including a raffle for signed jerseys from Oxbow NHL player Tanner Jeannot. Tickets can be purchased, with one for $20 and three for $50. A supper and comedian event is on Nov. 9, a skate-a-thon is being organized by the local figure skating club, and more.
The Oxbow rink campaign aims to replace the current ice plant with a more environmentally-friendly, ammonia-based system. The organizers hope to place the order this fall, with the plant expected to take six to 10 months to build and ship, and have it ready for the next season.
"The Oxbow Rink board has been amazing. They have done so much work at this fundraising," Mohrbutter said.
The arena and curling rink in Oxbow were built in 1961. The ice plant was installed in 1963 for the curling rink; in 1986 it was replaced with a plant that could produce artificial ice for the skating and curling arenas. With more leaks and breaks due to the age of the unit, the Town of Oxbow and its recreation division decided to replace the ice plant last fall.
To check out all the current fundraisers, current sponsors, and opportunities to become a sponsor and to donate, visit the ice plant sections (under recreation) on the town's website at oxbow.ca or the Oxbow Rink Facebook page. Contact Mohrbutter at [email protected] for sponsorship and naming opportunities. Donations can be made to Oxbow and District Recreation Board. Charitable receipts are available.
