By Jenn Watt

With fewer fundraisers this summer due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Rotary Club of Haliburton is reaching out to the community to help them fund the new welcome centre and public washrooms at Head Lake Park.
The project, which is being funded in large part through the federal government’s Canadian Experience Fund, includes a $75,000 commitment from Rotary.

“The Rotary Club of Haliburton is excited to work with and help Dysart [and] we’re thankful for Dysart for doing this and we’re thankful for the federal government to give the bulk of the money,” said Andrew Hodgson, campaign chair for the Rotary Club of Haliburton. “…Things like Music in the Park, the summer carnival, Lobsterfest etc., all those were cancelled this year because of COVID. … Of the $75,000, we have some money tucked away, but we didn’t have quite enough, so we’re asking the community to help us with a fundraising initiative.”

Although the club had a very successful car draw this year, Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation rules specify that money raised in a lottery cannot be used on municipal property. The welcome centre is being built on property owned by the Municipality of Dysart et al.
“The reality is, we can’t use our car draw, which we’re very fortunate that our community supports – again this year so well,” said Hodgson.

The Rotary Club is welcoming all donations toward the project and those who donate $100 or more will receive a charitable tax receipt. Those who donate $500 or more will be recognized on a donor plaque.
So far, more than $14,000 in donations have come in for the project. To donate, go to https://portal.clubrunner.ca/201 and follow the link. To pay with credit card, you can email haliburtonrotary@gmail.com. Cheques can be made payable to Rotary Club of Haliburton and mailed to P.O. Box 832 Haliburton, ON, K0M 1S0.