Smithers Mayor Taylor Bachrach and his family are putting out a challenge to residents to contribute financially to the building of the second arena.
For more than a year, the volunteers of the Second Sheet of Ice committee have been working hard to raise $400,000 to complete the construction of the new facility. With just two weeks remaining in the fundraising drive, the group is still $120,000 short.
A fundraising shortfall will mean some vital components of the arena, like bleachers, will have to be excluded and added later when funds allow.
Today, Bachrach said he and his family will personally donate $100 (up to a maximum of $1,000) to the project for every $1,000 personal donation received.
“We have young kids and we're users of the arena,” Bachrach said. “We see the new rink as being a huge benefit to our community. As mayor, I think if I'm asking other community members to come forward, I have to have some skin in the game as well.”
But every little bit counts. Bachrach said donations of as little as $20 will make a difference in reaching the fundraising goal.
“I think it would be so cool if everyone in the community pulls together to really make this a community legacy.”
Individuals and businesses that contribute $1,000 or more to the project will receive recognition on a permanent plaque in the new arena. Donations of $5,000 and more will recieve more prominent recognition.