The Independent

The Alvinston Optimist have been raising money to improve the Brooke-Alvinston-Inwood Community Centre for years. But Thursday, the group came to council with a $5,000 donation to help cover the yearly operating deficit at the facility.

Optimist member Hannah Symington told council the group uses the community centre for many of their events.

“We feel that is the pillar in the community. It’s a gathering place for individuals of all ages and especially youth.”

The club focuses on helping youth. With all of the club’s fundraising events, Symington said the arena and the centre are “crucial. ..Without it I don’t believe our community would be as strong and vibrant as it is.”

Symington told council the club understands it takes a lot of money to operate the building, but the Optimists are committed to making sure the arena remains the “backbone of the community.”

Brooke-Alvinston is mounting another attempt to be named Kraft Hockeyville this year. The municipality needs to invest about $1.2 million to repair the arena’s floor and the $250,000 grant would help complete the work. Brooke-Alvinston council accepted the donation from Symington and Optimist members Bob Bressette and Doug MacDougall.