The Cook family, headed by Huu-ay-aht First Nation Chief councillor Jeff Cook, have made a large donation for the second year in a row to the Alberni Athletic Hall Association.
The Cook family started their fundraisers last year as a way to give back to the Athletic Hall, because so many family members have benefited from programs at the hall.
The Cook family held two separate fundraisers in the winter. The Westwind Pub beer and burger night and the vacation raffle—which featured a trip for four to Disneyland and a Vancouver Canucks’ game package, sponsored by Huu-ay-aht Group of Business and Probyn Log Ltd.—both raised a total of $3,900.
“The Cook family has three generations of members who have accessed the Athletic Hall Facility in the many years of its existence,” Jeff Cook said.
“We are very grateful for the continued dedication of the Athletic Hall members and directors for all the time they put in volunteering to keep the community healthy and active.
“There have been countless Nuu-chah-nulth and Alberni Valley youth using the facility for sports and numerous Nuu-chah-nulth families experiencing cultural activities there as well. This support of our youth and community gives us purpose to give back.”
The Cook family’s two-year total for donations is $6,500. Last year’s donation helped cover the final costs for the elevator lift, making the facility fully wheelchair accessible.
This year’s donation will go into general operating funds, and will help with the Athletic Hall Association’s next project, a grateful association president Larry Spencer said.
The association hopes to erect a sign on Roger Street, about the same size as the one in front of Alberni District Secondary School, announcing events happening at the hall.
Meanwhile, the Cook family is already planning it spring fundraising.
editor@albernivalleynews.com
twitter.com/alberninews