FERGUS – The Fergus Curling Club (FCC) is hosting its first “ABC’s 4 FCC” Fundraiser beginning on June 21 from 5 to 9pm.
The idea is to embark on a multi-year, multi-stage fundraising program to help replace the club’s outdated ice making equipment and concrete pad.
“The equipment we use to create and maintain the ice is about 70 years old,” said FCC board chair Chris Krupicz.
“It’s in dire need of replacement, enhancements – it needs a lot of help.”
The fundraiser
ABC stands for aluminum, bottles and cans/cash/coins.
The club is asking community members to save cans, cooking pans, bottle caps and anything else made of aluminum.
There will be a drop-off bin at the curling club and monthly bottle drives will take place from 5 to 9pm on July 19, Aug. 16, Sept. 6, and Oct. 18.
Costly project
The FCC’s current refrigerated floor was installed in the 1950s when low/high spots were not recognized as a big deal like they are now in the world of curling.
Fluctuation in the level of the floor means thicker and thinner patches of ice will be seen across the floor which has led to an increase in energy, water and labour costs.
Club officials say their goal is to continue providing curling, reduce the hydro and manpower used, and to provide a more enjoyable game.
Krupicz said if equipment fails, curling will stop because it’s not a quick fix.
ABC’s 4 FCC is not the only way the club will fundraise for the equipment, but it is a start.
Officials estimate the total cost to replace the equipment is about half a million dollars, with inflation increasing the prices.
“When we [start to] get the money, we will take another look at what is available,” Krupicz explained.
‘Bang for our buck’
She added club officials plan to “get the most bang for our buck” when it comes to energy used and the people helping with it.
Ideally, the club will be able to raise enough funds that the pipes, which cool the ice, will be the same distance apart, and that they are close to the surface of the cement floor.
Along with the ABC fundraiser, the club has also hosted other fundraisers to get new rocks and other equipment needed for the sport. More than anything, it is always welcoming people to attend its “learn to curl” and “try curling” nights.
“We’re there for the community, we’re there for our members,” Krupicz explained.
“We really feel that there’s importance in keeping us going, and keeping us open, because of the physical and mental support that we can give to our members and to anyone who wants to join.”
