The Moose Jaw Co-op Association has given a financial shot in the arm to A.E. Peacock Collegiate’s Centennial auditorium renewal project by providing a donation of $25,000.
Members of the Co-op executive attended a pep rally at the school on Oct. 25, where they revealed the amount to the students on a large presentation cheque. The money will go toward upgrading the seats in the balcony, which means that part of the auditorium will be renamed the Moose Jaw Co-op balcony.
“We’re ecstatic,” said principal Dustin Swanson, who thanked the Moose Jaw Co-op for its support. “It’s a critical project for our school, our division and our community.”
Phase 1 of the project is nearly complete and should be done by Christmas, he continued. This phase focused on rejuvenating the auditorium seating, flooring and lighting, and painting the walls.
The next part of the project is creating a plan to tackle Phase 2, Swanson added. This would deal with the stage itself, including the lighting, rigging, and curtains. Fundraising efforts will focus on meeting the targets of the next phase.
Co-op gave the donation after looking at the renewal project and realizing that Moose Jaw and area communities use the auditorium regularly, along with students who enjoy the space and who celebrate the arts and music in it, explained Co-op general manager Geoff Anderson.
“We felt that certainly spoke to our Co-operative values, by putting people first and being community-minded,” he said, “and so we felt we needed to help.
“We’re very excited to be able to give a donation like this for this renovation. From what I’ve seen so far, this is going to be fantastic for the students today, and certainly into the future.”
Funding is still required to complete the project “and (to) do a bang-up job of it,” added Michaela Turner, Co-op’s manager of marketing and communications. She encouraged other businesses to donate as well by calling Swanson at 306-693-4626. Or, supporters can go online to newseats.ca to donate there.
