Matilda Atleo, on behalf of the Alberni Athletic Association, is currently fundraising to support an upgrade for the Alberni Athletic Hall kitchen.
She has formed a group called “Friends of the Alberni Athletic Hall” and is hoping to raise approximately $25,000 through upcoming fundraising events to upgrade and install new kitchen equipment and supplies. A plan kitchen use contract will also be developed to ensure supplies and equipment are left in good working condition.
Atleo used to run a catering business, and says the Athletic Hall’s kitchen is not properly equipped for big events.
The Athletic Hall was formerly located on Beaver Creek Road, before it was destroyed by fire in 2009 and replaced by the current Athletic Hall, located on Roger Street next to the Alberni Valley Multiplex. Many of the hall’s kitchen equipment and supplies were lost in the fire.
Atleo said the Friends of the Alberni Athletic Hall will be fundraising for some of the smaller items that were lost in the fire, such as big pots and bowls, serving utensils and cutting boards.
“They don’t have that right now,” she said. “We want to stock it with those items to increase its use.”
Many of the larger items, such as the refrigerator, were used or donated, so she would like to upgrade some of those items, as well.
The Athletic Hall plays host to a variety of sporting events, religious services and First Nations cultural events, and the current estimate of people attending events at the hall is 35,000 per year. All members of the Alberni Athletic Association are volunteer, and all money raised goes into the operation of the hall.
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Although no dates have been set yet, Atleo has plans to hold a raffle, a dinner and silent auction and a Loonie Toonie auction.
Those who want to get involved or make a donation can contact Atleo at matildaatleo@gmail.com or at 250-720-6141.
“Every little bit helps,” said Atleo. “A few dollars could supply some serving spoons, a pair of tongs.”