Zita Hinks said if Bell Mobility had any doubt about the need for cellular service in Mainland and Three Rock Cove their fundraising efforts to do should speak volumes.
Thats because of the $69,159 representing 15 per cent of the total project the local community is asked to contribute, they’ve already raised $45,790.54 through fundraising and area business contributions.
Through a cost-shared agreement with Réseau de Développement Economique et d’Employabilité de Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador and Bell Canada, the provincial government contributed $115,266 towards providing cellular service to Mainland and Three Rock Cove.
“We’re over the moon for where we are since starting our campaign nearly four months ago," Hinks, a member of the committee, said. "To get to nearly two-thirds of the way in that short time is remarkable."
The group has three fundraisers before the end of the year, before taking a little pause and figuring out what other types of things they can do. It's ongoing fundraiser is an online GoFundMe page.
Hinks said the community has been so supportive with different organizations providing space free of charge to hold different events.
She said there’s no backing away from this now and is hoping to reach the goal sometime in the spring, as she expects it will be then before a tower would start going up anyway.
Michael Hall, a musician who grew up in Saint John, N.B. and whose roots are in Mainland, where his father Sean Hall lives, will be holding a show at the Three Rock Cove Community Centre on Dec. 29.
He said 50 per cent of the proceeds of the show will go towards the Bell Tower fund and the remainder towards expenses in putting off the show.
Performing what he calls the old style of Port au Port Peninsula accordion playing, the 36-year-old performer will be backed up by his dad who plays the guitar and stepdances.
Tickets are available by calling Rose Gallant at (709) 643-5214.
Remaining 2018 fundraisers:
Dec. 21 – Dart Tournament – Mainland Heritage Committee Tea Room and Museum
Dec. 29 – Michael Hall Show – Three Rock Cove Community Centre
Dec. 31 – New Year’s Eve Ball – Mainland Heritage Committee Tea Room and Museum.
