One of Carterton’s oldest citizens has set the fundraising ball rolling with a $1,000 donation to the Carterton Events Centre Trust which aims to raise a substantial contribution to help build the multi-purpose centre in Holloway Street.Presenting her donation outside the historic Carterton Public Library, which will be extended and upgraded as part of the new centre, Mrs Lil Jones said it was for the benefit of future generations.
“It’s not for me but for the likes of my great grandchildren – they’re the ones who are going to benefit from the centre and all it has to offer.” Mrs Jones has 21 great grandchildren aged from five to twenty-two years, some living in Carterton.
Mrs Jones, pictured with Carterton Events Centre Trust chairman John Greenwood, first came to Carterton at the age of three, moved away in 1947, and then returned to live in 2000. “I’ve always kept an interest in Carterton and I visited at least once every year,” said Mrs Jones.
“When I was younger we had community facilities that were good for that time – like Kings Theatre which burnt down and the old Drill Hall which began as a tin shed. Carterton now needs something for future generations,” said Mrs Jones. “The library could do with a lot more space and we need a town hall and a focal point. Children and youth need somewhere to go for indoor activities and games to keep them active. The centre will bring people together in one safe location where all ages can have something to do.”
“There are a terrific amount of possible uses for the centre and it’s amazing how things snowball once people are given an idea and get cracking,” said Mrs Jones.
“My donation is to get the ball rolling. If 1,000 people gave the same amount they’d soon be well on their way to their target.”
Trust chair, John Greenwood, said Mrs Jones’ donation was a great start to the campaign he and fellow trustees, David Lowes, Carolyn Wait, Gail Rapson and Jeff Yates were now getting underway.
“Over the next six months or so we will be approaching potential major funders including charitable trusts, businesses and private donors,” said Mr Greenwood. “The Trust also welcomes smaller donations and proceeds from community-based fundraising – every bit will count.”
The flagship of the multi-purpose, environmentally-friendly centre will be an upgraded and extended library. A new public auditorium/Town Hall will be able to host shows, cultural and community activities, exhibitions, conferences and social events. A youth centre will provide a dedicated space for young people and children will benefit from proposed new Plunket rooms and the Toy Library. Modern meeting rooms will provide warm, comfortable places where local and visiting organisations can gather. |
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