December 2014 is known to the community of Rossland as “30K in 30 days”, a fundraising campaign for the Rossland Skatepark Association (RSA). It can also be known as the month Nelson & District
Credit Union (NDCU) stepped up to help locals realize their dream of an outdoor skatepark for Rossland. Steve Cutt of NDCU MoneyWorks met with locals and NDCU staff to celebrate the announcement of a major donation of $10,000 to the new all-wheel park, on behalf of Credit Union members.
The relationship between NDCU and RSA goes back to when skatepark pioneers approached the Credit Union requesting some help, reflects Steve Cutt of NDCU MoneyWorks. “It all started with an informal group of skaters, parents and community members. It was then followed with a strong turnout by RSA members at the NDCU 2012 AGM in Rossland to impress on the Credit Union the strength of a future partnership between the two organizations. NDCU recognized the tireless commitment of this group early on and recognizes their dedication to get it done today. We are happy to make the announcement of $10,000 towards the Rossland outdoor skatepark.”
NDCU’s commitment to youth goes far beyond financial literacy and scholarships. An investment by Credit Union members in an asset such as this park will add significantly to the vitality of this community. Youth in Rossland have shown their passion and support for this new park by coordinating their own fundraising efforts on yodel.org. Blaise Swain, local grom, wants a skatepark to call his own and states, “I can already ski and bike in town but if I want to ride my skateboard or BMX I have to go to Castlegar or Nelson. It would be cool to just go a couple blocks to be at the skatepark.”
Heath Clement, association board member adds, “Nowhere can you see the direct benefit of generosity more than in a small town. Funds that go directly to this local cause will benefit our youth and our region as a whole."
The RSA’s “30K in 30 days” campaign started when two anonymous donors – “Skatepark Angels” – came forward with $10,000 each and a challenge to the RSA to source local matching donations and double their contributions. Without missing a beat, NDCU jumped on board with an additional $10,000 dollars bringing the total potential matching contribution to $30,000. Throughout the month of December the RSA is hustling to match the funds and take a giant - $60,000 – leap forward in their fundraising efforts and bring the shovels that much closer to breaking ground. As of December 15, the RSA was more than halfway to the goal with over $15,000 raised, including a major $10,000 contribution from Rossland Rotary.
“We have made amazing progress and are halfway there” said Clement, “but we need to keep up the momentum to hit the full matched $30,000 and put $60,000 in the skatepark coffers.”
The RSA has met with great success using the Rossland-based crowd fundraising web site yodel.org to get the community involved in the campaign and extend their reach to potential donors beyond local supporters. In one of the many fundraising challenges posted on the Yodel site, the Rotary Interact Club, made up of Rossland youths, will be camping on the future skatepark site at the Emcon lot on the longest night of the year, December 21st. Those looking to support the skatepark should check the many causes posted to the Yodel site, or even start up a challenge of their own!