It is no secret that many organizations and not for profits in Chestermere are crippled in what they can provide due to lack of operating space within the city. The only viable way for the community’s Non Profit system to build capacity is through government grants, business sponsorship and private donations.
Chestermere Area Youth and Community Development Society o/a SYNERGY encourages and facilitates collaboration amongst all local grass roots organizations and aspires to create a model that other groups can follow to establish more spaces throughout the community going forward. “The benefits of this project are far greater than simply creating space, however. SYNERGY’s philosophy is deeply rooted in the premise that we can achieve much more by working in partnership than we can on our own. We intend to establish affordable space that we can share with a number of Not-for-Profits who will, in exchange, pay the operating costs associated with this new community facility.” says Patty Sproule, Executive Director.
SYNERGY began as a project of the Town of Chestermere in May, 2013 and incorporated as a Not-for-Profit in November, 2013. Space has remained their only barrier to achieving complete independence. SYNERGY’s Youth Leadership Programs such as YELL, SHOUT and Creative Kids, for example, desperately need this space in order to sustain and flourish. Through extensive research and community collaboration, it was determined that the most efficient and economical means to establish the required amenity would be to contract with a modular building developer.
Sproule explained that the City of Chestermere is providing the land on which to place the structure and they have agreed to donate $50,000 in Recreation Reserve funds that have been derived from the sale of land (non-tax dollars). $300,000 from provincial grants (The Municipal Sustainability Initiative Program and The Community Facilities Enhancement Fund) have been committed to this project and SYNERGY has contributed just over $50,000 from their fundraising account, to date. Other local Not-for-Profits will contribute by providing Volunteers and materials to construct a deck and wheelchair ramp, as well as a number of other cost-saving construction tasks. “We are seeking private and business partners to help raise the other $40,000 required for completion of this much needed facility.” said Sproule.
The Centre for Community Leadership will be located in a park like setting on the corner of Chestermere Boulevard and Rainbow Road, adjacent to the skateboard park. Notably, it will be the first landmark that motorists will see when they enter Chestermere from 17th Avenue in Calgary. The building is 2280 square feet and will have a large deck attached in order to maximize usable outdoor space and is targeted to open by June 2016.
As Sproule mentioned, this is a community facility and therefore, Synergy is looking for generous donors to complete this valuable asset to Chestermere.
Sponsorship Opportunities
- Cash sponsorship of any size is appreciated. Once the building is fully funded, donations will be dedicated to interior furnishings and equipment, as well as deck furniture and landscaping.
- Naming rights are being considered and all donors who contribute $100, or more, will have their names formally acknowledged on a recognition wall as well as through the media.
- Silent Auction/Raffle prizes are required for a future fundraiser.
- Sponsors preferring to sponsor day-to-day programs and services are more than welcome to specify the purpose of their donation.
Benefits of Sponsorship is, of course, that amazing feeling of giving back to the community as this facility will provide much needed space for local Not-for-Profits to hold meetings, events and programs. There is also the tax benefits as sponsors will receive a tax receipt for all donations, upon request and are advised to gain professional accounting advice as to the potential tax benefits of their donation.
Sproule adds, “Synergy is grateful for your contribution to community leadership development in Chestermere and area. This facility will be beneficial to residents of all ages for years to come”.
For more information please visit the SYNERGY website at www.truesynergy.ca, contact SYNERGY at 403-207-7048 or email psproule@truesynergy.ca
