Together4Culture campaign to launch this fall, seeks $5 million towards Greater Vernon Cultural Centre

Photo: Contributed

An ambitious fundraising campaign will launch this fall to make a new Greater Vernon Cultural Centre a reality.

The Together4Culture campaign hopes to raise $5 million over two years.

Volunteers have been busy behind the scenes preparing the effort, which will launch in September.

"We want to reach out to those who have a special place in their hearts for Greater Vernon and let them know that with their help and the backing of the community, we will have an amazing space to explore," says Julie Melanson, the campaign's communications co-chair.

Residents of Coldstream, Vernon and RDNO Areas B and C voted in 2018 to borrow up to $25 million for the centre, and the next step towards it becoming reality is raising $5 million in the community.

The Regional District of North Okanagan is also seeking senior government funding for the $39.5-million facility planned for downtown Vernon at 32nd Avenue and 29th Street.

"The campaign will promote Together4Culture, as all of us as residents, artists, businesses and visitors will benefit directly from enhanced cultural amenities through programming, events, a revitalized downtown core and increased economic development," says Rod Drennan, Greater Vernon Museum and Archives representative to the fundraising committee.

"Together, we can make this happen!" says Dauna Kennedy, executive director of the Vernon Public Art Gallery.

"We want donors to be able to plan their giving in advance and to know the committee is flexible in how donations are made. The campaign will provide various giving options, with some donors who may consider setting up regular or monthly tax-deductible donations or contributing through a transfer of their securities."

The Downtown Vernon Association and Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce are also members of the steering committee behind the push.