A cheque presentation was held from the Falher Recreation Complex Fundraising Committee to the Town of Falher in the amount of $60,000.00. To date the committee has given the town $490,000. Pictured are (from left) Lorraine Desaulniers, Mayor Margaret Tardif, Roland Turcotte and Kimber Mader.

Falher Recreation Complex Fundraising Committee has raised an additional $60,000 towards improvements to the Falher Regional Recreation Complex. The committee (also known as SCORE) has raised a total of $490,000. All the money given to the Town of Falher, goes directly to the costs accrued in building the new recreation complex. SCORE chairman Kimber Mader explains the committee holds three large fundraisers to help improve recreation in the region. “Every two years, in conjunction with the Smoky River Agricultural Trade Show, we hold a lottery,” says Mader. “This year, we are again holding the lottery which features a grand prize of a Ford F150 crew-cab 4x4.” The first year the lottery was held, the committee managed to sell 600 tickets. In the second lottery, they sold a whopping 1,000 tickets. This year, though, they are attempting to sell an additional 500 tickets with a total of 1,500 available for purchase. “We have 16 prizes to be won in this year’s lottery,” says Mader. “Each prize is purchased by the committee, and all are valued at over $200.” Some of the prizes available are available as soon as Jan. 30 for the Early Bird Draw.There are two prizes of Lottery Loot Draws worth $500 each. In March there are four draws, including a digital camera worth $230, Ice ‘n Easy (portable ice machine) $270, Wii Console and Game $400, and a GPS $500. The final draws are made on April 25, for a Robo Vac $299, wicker patio lounge set $849, three Petro-Can gift cards valued at $500, a laptop computer $1,598, Sony LCD HDTV ready TV $1,900, Westjet gift certificate $2,000, accessorized ClubCar $9,500, and the Ford truck valued at $41,789. Participants must be at least 18 years of age to enter, each ticket costs $100. For more information about the fundraiser, phone 780-837-2707. The second fundraiser the committee holds is a quad rally each spring, generally in April. “The rally is likely the least of the money maker and the most work,,” says Mader. “But it’s so well received and popular we will continue to do it.” “We also farm two quarters of land each year to raise money for the complex,” says Mader. “We have rented the land of a local farmer and all profits go directly to the recreation complex.” Mader explains some local farmers help with the input costs, trucking the product, or helping to farm the crops. This year, the main focus of the recreation board was to complete the new four sheet curling rink attached to the recreation complex. In addition, the town is completing the second phase of the recreation complex. This includes installation of a elevator to the top floor of the complex, bleachers, and the construction of the curling rink. Grand opening for the second phase is scheduled for Feb. 28 at the complex. In celebration, there will be a curling bonspiel for the entire weekend from Feb. 27 to Mar. 1. The recreation board is looking for nominations for recognizable athletes in the Smoky River Region. Their goal is to find multiple athletes who have been successful on a national or international scale to place a dedication in the recreation complex. For more information on the nomination phone Lise Cote at 780-837-1709. Community efforts have provided many hours towards the development and construction of the new recreation complex.