The Alouette River Management Society has successfully reached its fundraising goal of $100,000 to renovate and restore its base of operations.
The fundraising campaign that kicked off in October 2023 has hit its target, and ARMS will be able to build a new roof on its Geoff Clayton River Heritage Centre.
“We have achieved our goal, with was $100,000 of cash and in-kind [donations], which is amazing,” said Greta Borick-Cunningham, executive director of ARMS.
The group protects and advocates for the Alouette River watershed and spawning salmon, and is located at the Allco Fish Hatchery, at 24959 Alouette Rd. The Rivers Heritage Centre is the gathering place for students in summer education programs, for visitors to the hatchery, for annual Rivers Day celebrations, and is the home of a ARMS staff. It has been their base of operations for 24 years.
“Much thanks to the many people who helped us,” said Borick-Cunningham.
Fixing the roof is the first job, and other work for the non-profit group includes renovating bathrooms, updating the HVAC system, and more. But the roof is the priority, and ARMS will see how much funding is left when the work is done. Borick-Cunningham said there are stains on the ceiling from water getting through the roof, and the extent of the damage to the building is not yet known.
Work is scheduled to begin on the roof on April 29.
For more information about the project, or to donate, see alouetteriver.org
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