As the Ladysmith Resources Centre Association (LRCA) affordable housing project rises at the corner of Third Avenue and Buller Street, focus is turning to public fundraising to equip the building’s first-floor community commercial kitchen and multipurpose hall.
The LRCA is already engaged in a capital campaign, seeking grants and other special funds and will soon be connecting with Ladysmith’s philanthropic businesses, organizations and individuals, according to Rick Rake, manager of communications and events.
Funds will be used to equip the first-floor space with commercial-grade appliances, fixtures, cabinets, counters, special donor board and furniture.
The four-storey building features 36 units for seniors, families and people with developmental disabilities.
“The 471-square-foot kitchen and 889-square-foot multi-purpose hall will be a venue to gather, to connect and to belong,” Rake wrote in a news release. “This is where the community’s seniors, parents and children, youth and people with developmental disabilities will gather, said the LRCA.”
Donations can posted with the click of a mouse at the LRCA donation button at www.lrca.ca/donate, under the category choice of Community Kitchen/Multipurpose Hall. Cheques are being accepted by the LRCA front office at its Second Avenue location and receipts for these charitable donations will be provided.
Rake said it will also be a community hub for new and existing programming and potential social enterprises. Activities will include literary programs, life and social skill programs and providing meals and space for everything from small celebrations to corporate workshops.
“I’m excited about the project and the community’s positive response to it,” said Jennica Graham, chair of the capital campaign to equip the community kitchen and hall, and LRCA board vice president.
Graham envisions the kitchen and hall as a vibrant space of good food, delicious smells, sharing, learning and friendship. It is open to sunlight through large windows and glass doors on three sides.
Long-time LRCA volunteer Pat Edge, before she died in 2012, bequeathed her home to the LRCA — its sale helped fund the purchase of Evangelist Anglican Church property for the project.
The church’s bell, pinnacle of the steeple (given to Ladysmith Historical Society) and two pews were saved before demolition and those pews will be restored and used in the new building, according to Rake.
ALSO READ: LRCA affordable housing project on track to open in 2022
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