Out of the Cellar adds beauty and glaze to St Andrew's United Church's fundraising campaign

Rossland business adds beauty and glaze to iconic church’s fundraising campaign

‘Out of the Cellar’ in downtown Rossland has become the first local business to get behind the drive to raise money to get a huge community resource, St Andrew’s United Church, habitable and future fit.

The boutique shop which specialises in high quality gifts, homeware and mountain lifestyle fashion is donating 50% of the sales from its Rossland themed pottery range in May to the fundraising drive.  Comprising mugs, bowls, trivets and plates, the hand painted collection features the iconic 120-year-old Church with its landmark red roof, which sits on the corner of Queen Street and 1st Avenue.  Jeremiah (potter) and Micah (painter), from Pridham Studio in Creston, are the creative team behind the distinctive collection which draws on the couple’s love for their BC roots, its landscapes and ‘local scenes’.

“I’ve often wondered how I could contribute to St Andrew’s Church, so this is perfect!” says Janet Fraser, a strong community influencer and local business mentor who has owned and operated ‘Out of the Cellar’ for the last 25 years.

“This is such a generous gesture which, together with the individual contributions we’ve been receiving, will help us reach our fundraising goal and hopefully inspire support from other local businesses to benefit the community as a whole,” says Brenda Hooper who sits on the project management team for St Andrew’s United Church, which along with Trail United Church, belongs to the Communities in Faith Pastoral Charge (CIF).

It is hoped that local benefactors and businesses will get on board for the latest aspect of the fundraising drive:  To help the stewards of this community asset raise matching funds for their next grant application.   More than 100K is needed to complete upgrades to the heritage building and qualify it for occupation.  The onus will now be on the community to rally round, keep the fundraising momentum going and raise just a portion of the grant through donations.

“With a lack of venues of this size and nature in Rossland, we’re hoping that businesses will see the potential of having this new local space and many more will step forward to help us open up by December, securing the building’s future for the next 100 years too,” adds Brenda suggesting that business leaders could use the revamped community hub for a range of functions, including fashion shows, gigs, meetings, networking, life and social events.  “Raising the 100K we need is an overwhelming hurdle but, with match funding, we can bring down our fundraising target to one that’s easily within our reach.  Every single donation, whether it’s big or small, really counts.  Living in a community which really cares, we know they’ll do whatever they can do to help!’ adds Brenda.

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Backgrounder:

As part of a $344,000 renovation project, funded by a Built Heritage Columbia Basin Trust grant, improvements to date have included replacing 100-year-old wooden foundations with concrete, creating a proper basement under 60% of the sanctuary, preparing a new mechanical / electrical room, levelling the sanctuary floor and improving physical accessibility.  The fixed pews have also been removed in favour of flexible stacked seating.

 A new electrical panel to service the sanctuary and basement as well as an HVAC system - airflow and furnace - needs to be installed to make the sanctuary and basement a warmer, comfortable and habitable space. Gyproc must be added to the basement walls and ceiling for fireproofing.  The Sanctuary could also benefit from a painted facelift on its walls and new flooring.

To make the rehabilitation project of the church complete, the works need to be financed through grants and charitable giving.  Donations qualify as charitable donations with up to a 46% tax rebate. 

There are many ways to help!  Via e-transfer to cifpc.trail@gmail.com, by cheque to Communities in Faith Pastoral Charge, or via website cifpc.ca, going to ‘Donate Now’ and using CanadaHelps.org.  Please designate funds to St Andrew's Facilities and be sure to include your name, address, and phone number in order to receive a charitable receipt.  Cheques may be mailed to 1300 Pine Ave., Trail, BC, V1R 4E6.  

To donate time, skills, services and expertise to the St Andrew’s United Church rehabilitation project please contact Carol at carolhobbsderosa@gmail.com, or Brenda at BrendaHooper2@gmail.com.

For progress and updates, please visit www.sevensummitslearning.com.

 

 

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