The Smithers Arena Fundraising Committee says it raised the money needed before yesterday’s deadline – almost.
Chair of the fundraising committee, Al McCreary says the last big push for funds raised nearly $100,000 but they are still a little off the mark.
“We still have $25,000 or $30,000 to go but we have commitments from people so we are optimistic that it is going to come. We are also still taking donations.”
The goal of the committee was to raise $400,000 for the arena to ensure seating could be installed in the first phase of construction.
McCreary says thanks to the fundraising the new arena will feature 394 seats when it opens, with more to follow later.
“This just shows that it is a community project and that there is good support in the community and people appreciate having facilities for the kids to learn to play hockey and figure skate and broom ball and all those other things.”