Circus cut-outs used by Flossie Bergman at Abbotsford’s first kindergarten. Photo by Gwen Topacio
New campaign “100 Days of The Reach” invites the community to sponsor their favourite artifact.
As part of its ongoing 10th Anniversary celebrations, The Reach Gallery Museum has launched a very special fundraising campaign that highlights the museum’s collections and gets donors involved in preserving artifacts for future generations.
“The Reach cares for over 4,700 artifacts that represent the memories and stories of our community. We are very excited to announce 100 Days of The Reach, a unique campaign for our 10th anniversary that gives the people of Abbotsford the opportunity to select and sponsor one of the many precious treasures that we house,” says Kris Foulds, Curator of Historical Collections.
The campaign launch was announced at Bacchanal, a rousing fundraiser at The Reach on September 15, 2018. Dozens of local history enthusiasts immediately stepped up to the plate, selecting and sponsoring their favourite artifact for $100 each. To sweeten the deal, long time neighbours of The Reach, former owners of the Fraserway Esso service station Marg & Roy Warkentin, have generously promised to match every dollar donated to the campaign up to $5,000. “This contribution is really special,” says Laura Schneider, Executive Director “Marg and Roy have been a part of the neighbourhood for many years and by agreeing to match funds they have certainly shown their support for The Reach. We’re confident that others in the community will get involved to leverage their generous offer.”
If you would like to participate and sponsor a piece of Abbotsford’s history for the coming year, drop by The Reach (32388 Veterans Way) to peruse the artifacts available for sponsorship in person or online after September 27th.
Donors will also be recognized on The Reach’s website and through social media throughout 2019 and all donors will receive a tax receipt. For each artifact sponsored donors will also be entered into a draw to win one of three prizes:
The Reach’s Director of Development, Ingrid Epp, sees this as an opportunity for creative gift giving. “With the holidays around the corner, why not sponsor an artifact in someone’s name? It’s a wonderful way to support local history with a lasting gift for the person who has everything.”
Media Contact for 100 Days:
Kris Foulds, Curator of Historical Collection, The Reach,
kfoulds@thereach.ca | 604-864-8087 x122