ESTEVAN - The No. 30 Squadron Wylie-Mitchell Air Cadets have been fundraising for repairs to the roof of their hall.
The building was constructed more than 30 years ago. Brian Zinchuk, who is the president of the squadron's sponsoring committee, said they have completed patchwork repairs on the roof, but it has reached the point where they need to complete something more significant.
"It's been a challenge because we rely largely, almost entirely, on our rentals, and nobody is renting due to COVID. We had very few rentals because you couldn't have large groups. You couldn't have weddings. You couldn't do anything," said Zinchuk.
They're not sure the extent of the work that can be completed on the roof. They will be talking to contractors soon. The cadets had to dip into their savings to keep going during the COVID-19 pandemic, and that has affected an account that was supposed to cover roof repairs.
The cadets have held one fundraiser for the roof repairs already – a trade show back in May.
Events have started to happen or have been booked at the hall again, including community fundraisers and wedding receptions.
"We're the only venue of this size in Estevan. There are smaller halls like the legion, and there are some church facilities, and then there's a larger one, being Affinity [Place], which is also a lot pricier, but we're the only one that is in our size range," said Zinchuk.
He noted the interior has about 10,000 square feet, so they can have over 800 people in the hall if they're jammed in. And since there aren't any stairs from the outside into the building, it's accessible for people with disabilities.
"It really is a facility for the entire community," said Zinchuk.
Everyone has to fix the roof of a building at some point, and now it's time for the cadets to do the work.
If a business or another organization wants to help them out, the air cadets are accepting donations.
