The Croatian Hall fundraiser is getting closer to its goal but "strong support" from the community is needed in the next few months, says the society's secretary-treasurer George Stefanic.
Last year, the Croatian Society: Schumacher launched a fundraising campaign to raise $150,000 to do repairs to the roof and foundation at the historic Croatian Hall.
So far, the campaign has raised about $105,000.
"We're blessed with the people who have contributed. We're hoping we can do a little more," Stefanic said. "It's like running a race. When you see the finish line but you just need a little more to get over, and that's where we're now."
Thursday night, the society received a $1,000 donation cheque from Northern Windows and Doors.
"We have a store in Schumacher and feel like our model was to help Schumacher and beautify the area, to give back," said owner Kieran Duquette.
The repairs to the outside foundation have already started and are nearing completion, Stefanic said. The next project would be installing roof shingles and updating the interior of the hall.
Local community members as well as people from out of town, who have ties to Schumacher and to the hall, have "really come through" and donated, Stefanic said. There have also been In Memoriam contributions and funds coming through the Timmins Charitable Gaming Association.
Stefanic said the fundraising goal may change because of the unforeseen expenses caused by the pandemic. With the gathering restrictions, there were no hall rentals and fundraising dinners, either.
"We're just hoping and praying we continue to get the support from the community and the businesses," he said. "Hopefully, we can get (the hall) back into shape, we'd hate to lose it."
There are different donation levels: bronze ($50), silver ($100), gold ($200), platinum ($1,000) and diamond ($5,000 and over). Donors’ names would then be engraved on a permanent plaque and displayed in the front lobby at the hall.
For more information, visit Croatian Society: Schumacher's Facebook page or email Kathy Vukobratic at [email protected].
