The Barrhead Agrena Society is trying to move full steam ahead in its fundraising efforts for the new pool.
Unfortunately they’ve hit a bump in the road with a lack of volunteers and a dwindling number of members attending the society’s monthly meetings.
Agrena Society president Shannon Carlson has expressed concern in the lull of community participation, and said the construction of the pool is something that should be on everyone’s mind.
“Now is the time to come to these meetings,” said Carlson. “We’re forging ahead with quite a few different fundraising deals.”
For starters, the Agrena Society is in great need of several volunteers for the quickly approaching grad bar on June 27. Carlson said members team up with the Barrhead Agricultural Society for the evening to sell tickets, and mix and serve drinks.
Volunteers are also needed for the Trina Preugschas bike tour celebration dinner at the Agrena July 4.
“We can always use more, but if we can have 10 helpers for that supper it would be nice,” said Carlson.
“We’re cooking burgers and serving beer and wine.”
It may still be in the somewhat distant future, but Carlson is also thinking about the volunteers that will be sought after for the fundraiser with the Montreal Canadien Alumni this Dec.
Many helping hands will be needed to help the event run smoothly, he said.
Though enough volunteers have been recruited, Carlson made point of the casino that began June 16 and will run until the end of the day June 17. The St. Albert fundraising event generally raises around $20,000, which will go directly towards the new pool.
At this point, approximately $125,000 has been raised for the construction of Barrhead’s new aquatic centre by the Agrena Society. This has been accomplished through several fundraisers, including a 50/50 draw and an additional casino.
Carlson said the society does have a number of fundraising ideas kicking around, however they are unable to move forward without more volunteers.
The more people who come out to the meetings, he said, the more ideas there will be.
“It’s hard for us to do any big fundraisers, to organize them, if we don’t have any volunteers,” said Carlson. “With five and six people coming to the meetings you can’t plan.”
He added if anyone is interested in pursuing their own fundraising efforts, the Agrena Society is happy to help out in any way they can.
Agrena Society meetings are normally held the second Tuesday of every month at 7:30 p.m. in the Agrena Multipurpose Room. However the next meeting has been changed to July 15 to accommodate more members.
“We hear a lot of talk about how much we miss the pool,” said Carlson. “Let’s show that we really do miss it. Come out and help fundraise for it.”
Anyone interested in volunteering for any of the upcoming events can contact Shannon at 780-674-7150.
