Donation gets blessing of Minto council

Councillors here are giving their blessing to a local organization that helps those in need.

Julie Hartung, on behalf of Blessings to You Free Centre, requested donation of the Pal­merston arena auditorium and kitchen for a fundraiser next month. The centre operates in Palmerston and accepts items to give at no charge to those who are less fortunate.

It has operated similar functions at the Palmerston arena in the past, namely a free Christ­mas dinner in 2007.

The centre would like to hold a fundraising auction on April 14 at the arena, subject to availability. Proceeds would be used to continue serving local residents.

Recreation Director David Stonley said, “The Blessing to You Free Centre provides a good service to residents of the Town of Minto.”

Council later approved its request to donate the use of the auditorium and kitchen in an amount not to exceed $250.

In that discussion, Mayor David Anderson said it seems more of those types of requests come to council all the time.

“It seems to be escalating.”

At the same time, he said, “They are all great causes, but it gets to a point where we really need to start looking at how practical it is for the town to continue that practice.”

Deputy-Mayor Judy Dirk­sen spoke in favour of the donation. She said the centre has a tremendous number of volunteers. “No one is paid a salary.” She added, “They serve hundreds of less fortunate people in our community.”

They also do not ask for municipal assistance very of­ten, Dirksen said. The last time was in 2007.

“They were not here in 2008 or 2009.” Dirksen said the event will help the centre’s bottom line significantly.

Councillor Barb Burrows agreed with Dirksen, and stated “They do great work in the com­munity and anything we can do to help them will have so much value to us.”

Council approved the donation.

 

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