Local club raises money for cultural centre

The Rotary Club of Iqaluit has big plans for the capital city. And it’s on a major fundraising campaign to put those plans in place.

Next year, the club will work with the municipality to create a series of walking paths and parks around Iqaluit. The Rotary Club is undertaking the project as a way to celebrate its 25th anniversary in Iqaluit.

Then in 2005, to commemorate the 100th worldwide anniversary of Rotary, the club plans to build an Arts and Culture Centre for Iqaluit.

At this week’s city council meeting, Terry Forth, president of the Iqaluit Rotary Club, asked council to grant the group a lottery licence to run a “travel bonanza.” The bonanza will help raise $51,000, all of which is earmarked for the arts and culture project.

Forth has to get permission for the bonanza from council because the current bylaw limits lottery prizes to $15,000.

The Rotary Club ran a similar fundraising effort this year, selling tickets that gave people a chance to win two Iqaluit to Ottawa trips.

Forth peaked council’s interest when he told them of the club’s plan for the cultural centre. He said the club will have to find other local partners to help with the building costs.

Council approved Forth’s request and the club will begin the travel bonanza in the new year.