The Fernie Volleyball Club has donated $10,000 toward the project, which will see a field house constructed adjacent to the Fernie Aquatic Centre on Pine Avenue. Community support for the Elk Valley Field House is growing.
“We hope this contribution helps bring the project closer to breaking ground and can serve to inspire further community support,” said Sherri Thorpe, Fernie Volleyball Club president. “We very much look forward to the day our athletes can take to the courts in this new facility and would like to thank you for all the work that you have done to make this happen.”
The Elk Valley Field House Society has been fundraising for the facility since its inception almost two years ago and is working to raise $4 million.
“We want to thank the Fernie Volleyball Club for this generous contribution, which moves us closer to our goal,” said Aysha Haines, Field House Society spokesperson. “We hope to break ground on this much-needed facility this spring.”
Elk Valley Resources donated $1 million to the project last year. The project has also received $525,000 in Resort Municipality Initiative funding, supported by the City of Fernie. Columbia Basin Trust has donated $500,000, and Tourism Fernie has contributed $40,000.
“Community support is crucial as we move closer to construction and, of course, when the shovels hit the ground,” said Haines. “Discussions with other possible funders throughout the area have kicked into high gear.”
Late last year, the society reached lease and operating agreements with the City of Fernie.
The 60-year lease will allow the Field House Society, comprised of volunteers from a range of local groups and organizations, to build and operate an accessible space for physical activity, social interaction, and community events. The operating agreement stipulates that the Field House will primarily be used for recreation, events, and gatherings, and that the society will be responsible for the operation, cleanliness, maintenance, and repair of the facility.
For more information, visit fernierec.com.
