Community support was what they needed and community support was exactly what they received. “The response from residents and the business sector in the community was incredible,” says a pleased McLennan Curling Club president Rita L’Heureux in reference to the society’s Dec. 6 Christmas banquet fundraiser at the Elks Hall. The event, which succeeded in drawing attention and financial support to a proposal involving the construction of a new multi-purpose facility in the community, was a complete sell-out with more than 180 people in attendance. And they all answered the call for financial assistance by opening up their purses and wallets in generous fashion. “It was absolutely wonderful to see everyone get behind this worthwhile community-based project. It’s something which will significantly benefit the community for years to come once completed,” says L’Heureux, master of ceremonies for the evening. She introduced the community to the curling club’s dedicated core group of board members, including vice-president Barry Whelen and his wife Collette (both of whom were unable to attend), secretary Shelley Jackson, treasurer Jocelyne McArthur and directors Michele Fournier, Sue Delaurier and Kevin Laliberte. “I can’t say enough about the hard work and commitment which this group of individuals has demonstrated to help ensure this community project becomes a reality,” L’Heureux explained. “What we lack in group size we more than make up for with drive and determination.” And it showed on a night which succeeded in being another small, yet extremely positive, step forward for an organization which continues to lead by example within the community. It’s an admirable quality which Mayor Don Regier eluded to during a brief speech to residents attending the Christmas banquet. “We’re very fortunate as a community to have such a dynamic group of people spearheading this initiative,” he said, tipping his hat to the curling club. “This organization continues to go above and beyond our expectations as a municipality and is well-deserving of our recognition.” He also thanked the community and business sector for its support at the event, emphasizing that it “demonstrates the collective spirit and vision” of the town in helping to realize a dream. Residents attending the one-of-a-kind festive holiday banquet were treated to a supper (prepared by the curling club), and dance in addition to a one-hour stand-up comedy act, courtesy of Yuk-Yuk’s comedian Sean Lecomer of Edmonton. Winners of the “Between A Rock & A New Place” fundraising draw for three main prizes provided by the curling club included Carol Laflamme (winner of a large Christmas wreath), Valerie Willier (winner of a tool gift set) and Patricia Bacon, who won a Christmas chest consisting of a variety of prizes. No final figure is available regarding how much the fundraiser brought in for the project. L’Heureux did, however, acknowledge that the curling club met its projected goal. The recent fundraiser is one of several which the curling club has initiated within the past year to help subsidize the cost of the new facility, which carries an estimated price tag of $3 million. McLennan’s Curling Club also hosted a successful cash calendar fundraiser earlier this year in addition to a cash bonspiel – both of which are expected to continue in 2009. “We definitely have a busy year ahead of us,” says L’Heureux, adding the club intends to launch its second cash calendar fundraiser by Feb. 1 of next year. That will be followed by the return of the popular cash bonspiel in April, an event open to curlers of all ages and skill levels. The proposed multi-purpose complex will include three sheets of ice in addition to a viewing area, elevator access to the second floor for individuals with disabilities, a full kitchen on the main floor, and washrooms on both levels. From a project revenue standpoint, the curling is hoping to access provincial grant funding to the tune of $1.1 million through the Government of Alberta’s Major Community Facilities Program. Those funds are expected to be complemented by corporate sponsorship and local contributions as well as labour and equipment donations and $215,000 (the estimated value of an ice plant which was sold to the municipality for $1 courtesy of the Town of High Prairie). Additional funds under the business plan will be achieved from the Town of McLennan in the form of 12 per cent of the overall cost or $403,000 as well as the Municipal District of Smoky River 130 (11 per cent or $370,000). Special thanks go out to all businesses which supported the Dec. 6th Christmas event by sponsoring a table at the banquet. They include: McLennan Home Hardware, Lakeview (Bigway) Foods, McLennan Bottle Depot, Ken’s Welding, Associate Medical Clinic, Marcoux Trucking & Trenching, the Government of Alberta, GT Electric and the Teamster’s Union (Teamster’s Canada Rail Conference).