UW lends expertise to John Tod project

NEWS/ COMMUNITY — The United Way will lend its fundraising expertise to the John Tod elementary school renovation project.

The school, which was obtained by the City from the school district in 2012, will be converted into a community Centre. Renovations are underway.

Government grants, City money and the Boys & Girls Club and YMCA/YWCA teamed up to fund $2.2 million for the project but a task force must raise another $300,000 in cash and in-kind donations.

The United Way has already donated $10,000 to the cause.

“As a member of the John Tod Task Force, United Way will assist with public awareness and help establish a fundraising strategy to raise $300,000 to complete the renovations needed,” said Brenda Aynsley, executive director of United Way.

“We will host the capital campaign and hold in trust any funds raised.”

In addition to the United Way contribution, other donors have committed $80,000 both in cash and in-kind contributions to the John Tod Centre project, including $50,000 from Ron and Rae Fawcett, $15,000 from the Robert L. Conconi Foundation and $15,000 in-kind from Acres Enterprises Ltd, the developer for the project.

“With this new location as home to the Boys & Girls Club and YMCA/YWCA, both organizations have the opportunity to provide

the unique programs that are such a benefit to our community,” said task force chair Lynda Vigor.