Patinorama 2007: lifeline to community groups

Prior to 2007, the project had raised $2.5 million by groups in sports, arts, and community service. The objective for 2008 is $90,000, a slightly more modest sum than the $101,580 collected last year.

Funds raised through the project are allocated in support of hockey tournaments, scout camps, concerts, dance competitions and community services. 60,000 tickets have been printed, to be sold at $2 each. Prizes to be drawn in February total $15,500 and will include trips to Cuba, a home-entertainment centre with giant flat screen, hotel packages, gift coupons for sports equipment or for meals in fine restaurants, tickets to symphony orchestras, digital camera, DVDs and more, much more.

Organizations get to keep 85% of the funds they raise through the project. "Very often, community groups knock on the doors of city councilors for financial support," says Sainte-Rose District councillor Denis Robillard, "and I always refer them to Patinorama because it's rare to have a formula that works so well, and one which can be managed by the efforts of each organization." Councillor Robillard has backed the project from the very beginning.

The organizing committee went to a draw five years ago. Before then, the funds were raised by pledges obtained by fund-raisers who would then have to skate before collecting on the promised funds.

It seems that the time has come to change the title of the project since the Patinorama part no longer applies.

Photo: pat

(Photo: Martin Alarie)