BY BILL BRADLEY
Christmas came early to seniors across Greater Sudbury Friday, thanks to a $50,000 donation by CVRD Inco to the Older Adult Centre's (OAC) fundraising campaign.
“I am pleased to be able to offer this help by CVRD Inco to the Older Adult Centre because they not only provide services for seniors downtown at their centre on Durham St. but they help seniors all over Greater Sudbury," said Cory McPhee, manager of external relations.
“For example this donation will be targeted to assist the development and promotion of the Senior Summer and Winter Games in the Greater Sudbury area,” he said.
The winter games begin at the end of February while the summer games start in May, said Tina Pilon, OAC manager.
The funding will also contribute to the resource development of the Seniors Community Association comprised of representatives from senior clubs across the city said McPhee.
“My parents are seniors both in their 80s and they were active in their local seniors association. In fact we have 10,000 Inco pensioners living in this city. All benefit from the work of the Older Adult Centre,” said McPhee.
This is the first public fundraising effort of the OAC since its initiation six years ago said Ward 8 councillor Ted Callaghan.
“We wanted CVRD Inco to be our first champion for our cause which is to spread more of our services across Greater Sudbury,” said Callaghan.
CVRD Inco was very receptive, said Merv Gribbons, chair of the OAC and its fundraising committee.
“CVRD Inco gave us everything we asked for. In fact, Cory told us it would be easier for us if we took the $50,000 as a lump sum than spread over five years. That we appreciate,” said Gribbons.
“We are at the beginning of our fundraising campaign and this donation really kick starts the effort This donation and others from business and individuals will allow us to enhance our activities.”
For more information phone 673-6227.