Members of the Royal Bank staff recently presented Clifford Recreation Association president Paul Wightman with a cheque for $2,000 to support the local arena.
That represents a Gold Cornerstone support of the association that was formed to assure the survival of the Clifford arena. Several years ago, when a strong suggestion that the arena would be closed due to hours of inactivity, a committee quickly responded to maintain and expand the activity there.
Its intentions were announced at public meetings to quiet local the fears of losing the arena. It also meant that first time hockey players and figure skaters would still be able to skate in their own community.
Hockey tournaments, skating drills, public skating, hockey practices, skating carnivals, and even curling tournaments could still go ahead and the association planned to entice other teams to play in Clifford.
That included a program for businesses to offer donations of support to the association.
Bank manager Marc LeBlanc, account manager Karen Dowler, and customer service representatives Debbie Richardson and Donna Kuranyi presented the cheque to Wightman.
A grant program helped community groups intending to host events in the arena or community centre, but allowed them to pay the bill with sweat equity.
Volunteers from those groups worked at the arena after being trained in making French fries, burgers, and Western sandwiches.
Wightman said last year $22,000 worth of grants were approved – $85,000 overall since the beginning of the program.
Money for the grants is supplied through sponsorships and profit from the food booth.
Members of the association believe keeping the arena open helps youth in the community learn hockey and figure skating. The next volunteer appreciation evening will be held in October, with skating free for everyone.
