The All Nations Centre is looking to expand part of its building to improve services to clients.
A bout of fundraising has kicked off to increase space onto the building on the corner of Sparks St. and Davis Ave. to include a walk in freezer, showers and laundry services.
One of the items hoping to bring in some money is a Canucks jersey signed by player Kevin Bieksa that the team donated through its community outreach program.
The All Nations Centre Bill Both said he’s hoping it’ll bring in some much-needed money for the centre. He estimates the addition will cost around $10,000 to $15,000, depending on if they’ll get a break on materials or in-kind services.
“Between...the silent auction and maybe some donations from corporate sponsors in the community, we hope to...raise enough money to put on the extension,” he said.
Ron Dame, director of the All Nations Centre, says the expansion is needed, as more and more people are using the services.
“When we first started this up, city council and the business community were trying to get the people off the street,” Dame pointed out. “It’s met the need of the town.”
The Seventh Day Adventist Church bought the building in December 2008, and since then multiple programs have been run out of it.
The church operates its Bread of Life soup kitchen the on Sundays, and a community day centre run by the Terrace and District Community Services Society (TDCSS) is offered there Mondays to Fridays. The day centre began as a place for shelter for people in bad weather and now runs all year round, providing food and contacts to community services.
Both services see around 100 people a day using it.
TDCSS’ housing outreach worker Casey Eys says the program serves a lot of people for a minimal amount of money. The centre has been operating off food and cash donations from community members and corporate sponsors. Eys said the improved facilities means they’ll be able to expand programs.
A dinner and silent auction to raise money takes place June 5 at Northwest Community College. Dinner tickets should be purchased beforehand.
Update: the dinner has been postponed and will take place June 19 at the college.