Fonthill News

Posted by Dave Schulz

TWO GREAT PROJECTS

January was an amazing month for the Rotary Club of Fonthill.

Raise the Arches:

After the Town of Pelham officially approved the club’s flagship project, Pelham’s Raise the Arches, the club has kicked off the final fundraising drive to deliver on this exiting project. Construction completion target is for completion in time for Summerfest 2022 and the Canada Summer Games being held in Niagara.  This construction project will replace the previous iconic Pelham Arches in the center of Fonthill.  The previous arches were a temporary structure but the replacement arches will be permanent.

 
The Rotary Club of Fonthill worked collaboratively with the Summerfest Committee to support the Raise the Arches group.  Through a gala silent auction event and through the sponsorship of individual arches, over $48,000 was raised.  The Summerfest Committee set aside $36,000 and the Rotary Club of Fonthill has put forward $10,000 so far.
 
Frank Adamson, who has successfully led this endeavor from its inception, presented revised plans to the Town Council who not only voted to approve the build but offered a loan of $30,000 to offset initial costs.  The Canada Summer Games Committee has also indicated that they will support some additional purchasing of shade sails should the arches be in place by August. 
 

Women’s Place Rotary District Grant:

Every year the Rotary Club of Fonthill supports a local project with a grant of up to $5000 CDN. This year the club purchased 20 desks and chairs for Women’s Place of South Niagara.
 
When the pandemic hit, women and their children were forced to isolate in their assigned rooms.  Imagine living in these tight quarters and trying to do schoolwork online.  There will be a brand-new desk and chair in every room to provide designated study space.  In the years to come this will give students a quiet space for their studies and homework.
 
The grant includes funds in the amount of $1,984 USD provided by Rotary District 7090 through the Rotary Foundation District Grants program.
 
Pictured left is Amanda Braet, Director of Development and Stewardship, Women’s Place of South Niagara and right is Ann Harrison, President, Rotary Club of Fonthill