A huge $200,000 donation from former Dryden resident Larry Kurz has pushed fundraising for the Dryden Recreation Extension and Modification committee over its first goal of $500,000.
Kurz is a long time Dryden resident and business owner and now resides in Alberta.
A number of dignitaries, City officials, kids, DREAM members and others converged on the Memorial Arena yesterday (Sunday, December 1st) for an Open House, free skate as well as the major announcement.
Family member Sarah talked about the donation.
“My grandpa wanted to make sure I said thank you to the DREAM Committee for their hard work and dedication and what they do for this arena and the community.”
She adds Larry is just happy to give back to the community.
Kenora MP Eric Melillo was also on hand.
“I am really excited to be able to be part of this announcement today. Recognizing the generosity and the hard work of the community and really just the passion I think the people of Dryden have and this is a very important step towards realizing this goal. I’m looking forward to working with them to advance as many of these projects forward across the region.”
Melillo adds he’s had great conversations with community leaders to help secure additional funding for the advancement of the project.
DREAM Co-Chair Marnie Oliphant stressed “This is an amazing day. It brought tears to our eyes. The arena is so important to our community. When we first had our goal of $25,000, we thought ‘how are we ever going to get to the top?’ And in three short years, we’re there, thanks to the community and our businesses. It’s been Dryden, all of it!”
The fundraising total now stands at $525,000 the committee will wait to hear from funding applications before deciding what the next project will be for renovating the Memorial Arena.
Oliphant says they remain positive that their applications will be successful and they can move forward with a major expansion of the arena.
Other planned work includes a new walking track, new flooring at Arena #1 and the installation of additional automatic doors.
Community members can make a donation to DREAM by visiting City Hall and you are eligible for a tax receipt.
If you are interested in volunteering, you can contact committee members on the DREAM Facebook page.
Below is a copy of the letter sent to DREAM by Larry Kurz.
