KIRKLAND LAKE - A historic Northern Ontario theatre has landed international funding.
The LaSalle Theatre in Kirkland Lake is one of 68 charities worldwide being supported by the John and Marine van Vlissingen Foundation in 2025.
In recognition of the theatre’s commitment to the community’s youth, the foundation has awarded the theatre an initial $5,000 USD donation.
Employees of Netherlands-based BCD Travel, which is affiliated with the foundation, have also been challenged to fundraise for the theatre throughout the year.
“This really sort of came out of the blue,” said Michael Rawley, the theatre’s artistic director.
“One of our fundraisers made the connection through BCD Travel, which led to us submitting a proposal. Over time, we made it to the second round, and just before Christmas, we found out we had been chosen.”
The theatre is a registered charity under Save The Lasalle and depends on donations to operate year-round. It’s the first Canadian charity selected by the foundation, which supports organizations worldwide.
“The best part is that they want this to be ongoing,” Rawley said.
“It’s not just a case of funding a new roof or new seats and then moving on. The idea is to continue fundraising for us, which is incredibly valuable.”
The recognition comes at a crucial time for the LaSalle Theatre, which has been striving to secure money to maintain and restore its historic building. The theatre was built in 1939 and is one of the last four remaining streamline moderne art deco theatres in Canada. The others are located in Saskatoon and Toronto.
For years, the theatre faced significant weather-related issues, with rain sometimes leaking onto the stage or flooding backstage areas.
In April 2024, the theatre placed second n the National Trust for Canada’s The Next Great Save competition, winning $10,000.
“This is the second biggest thing that has happened to us,” Rawley said.
“To have a European foundation and the National Trust for Canada both recognize our value is incredible. It means so much, especially during tough times for the arts sector.”
SEE: Lights, camera, jackpot: Kirkland Lake theatre wins $10K in national competition
Rawley said the ongoing support is crucial for the facility's future.
“We struggle every month to keep things running. This funding could be $50 or it could be $50,000 — we don’t know yet. But the fact that they want to keep supporting us is what’s really important,” he said.
“It feels like a little ray of sunshine in February. After all this time, we might finally be able to breathe a little.”