PUGWASH – The Pugwash area has extra reason to be thankful.
When the Northumberland Community Curling Club drew the winning ticket at its annual Triple D fundraiser lately, little did members realize the $5,000 winnings would be donated back to the club.
“We were absolutely blown away by the generosity of Tantramar Chevrolet,” said an incredulous Mike Power, chairman of the club. “We are a volunteer group and worked so hard selling the tickets. It’s our major fundraiser of the year and to have the profit double to $10,000 just like that is incredible.”
For Donald Furlong, owner of Tantramar Chevrolet Buick GMC Ltd., giving back is the right thing to do.
“The Northumberland regin has always supported us and we, in turn, are always pleased to give back whenever we can. We have many great customers and friends in the Pugwash area and know the club a very important part of the social fabric there,” Furlong said.
Indeed, along with serving as a curling club in late fall and winter (when students and clients at Sunset Adult Residential Centre play the sport at no charge), the venue also doubles as a community centre, being rented for weddings, family reunions and other events. As well, non-profit groups are welcome to use the facility for free.
The $5,000 donation from the dealership will be used for programming – with significant focus on junior development and Little Rocks that’s geared for students in Grades 4 to 6, and for general operations and improvements.
“There is always work to be done as we continue to improve,” said John van de Wiel, chairman of the club’s house committee and the seller of the winning ticket. “Of course, this all requires investment and this donation will certainly be put to good use.”
As it marks its 10th anniversary, the club has completed paving its parking lot, replaced its wood siding with steel, computerized its temperature and humidity controls in the ice shed, enhanced the acoustics in the lounge and ice shed and updated its exterior lighting to LED.
“We have had a busy and productive year so far,” said Power. “We are so thankful to Tantramar Chevrolet for this additional $5,000, which will be used wisely and well.”
