The Rockyford Curling Club is getting support all the way from the birthplace of the sport itself; Scotland.
The Mail reported in its February 21 edition that the Rockyford Curling Club was not able to open this season. The Curling Club’s plight went viral, with the story being reported by the CBC, CTV and even the BBC. It has helped the Curling Club’s effort.
“We even got some money from Scotland,” said Rockyford Curling Club President Randy Melcher. “It wasn’t much but it is great to see.”
Melcher explains that a member of the Curling Club is acquainted with a CBC reporter, which helped them get the story to the national broadcaster. The same reporter once worked for the BBC and they picked up on his story.
“I was kind of shocked when they said ‘it’s the BBC from Scotland,’” laughs Melcher.
Other media have followed suit.
The exposure has helped the club raise the funds needed for its project to rebuild the concrete base and building foundations for the curling rink. They are still working towards their $380,000 goal.
“We are sitting at about $84,000 right now,” said Melcher.
These are funds raised through direct donations as well as funds that came from a GoFundMe campaign, that alone has raised almost $2,000.
The exposure has also brought notice from the government. The Department of Alberta Culture has been in touch with Melcher to talk about a Community Facility Enhancement Program Grant. Mayor of Rockyford, Darcy Burke, also indicated there has been contact with the office of Leela Aheer, A United Conservative Party MLA.
