“Make a Splash: Join the Movement to Preserve Upper Ottawa Valley’s Swimming Spots!”

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Happy New Year to all!

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My name is Kim Poliacik and I hold the position of fundraising chair for the Friends of the Regional Pool (FRP). 

I swim three times weekly because it’s excellent exercise that helps manage my arthritis. However, that was until Pembroke city council shuttered the pool in January 2024 due to safety issues with the Butler Building (roof and four walls) enclosing the facility. 

Following the announcement, a town hall meeting was arranged at the Clarion Hotel in Pembroke in January 2024, with over 100 attendees eager to hear from Pembroke city council. Many expressed how essential the pool is for the Upper Ottawa Valley. Our organization, Friends of the Regional Pool, formed shortly thereafter. During that evening, Megan Conway took down names of those wanting to volunteer to help save the pool, leading to her becoming our chairperson today.  

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Our executive committee consists of Sherry Godin (treasurer), Kathy Mottershead (secretary), Nicole Shaw and Chris Roy (communications and online media), Nancy McClusky (finance and administration chair), with me as the fundraising chair. 

We have a small but dedicated team of hardworking volunteers and are seeking more individuals to help with events. Just two to three hours a month is required to volunteer. 

Currently, we are selling raffle tickets for our largest fundraiser to date. Blok Pools and Hot Tubs has generously donated a six-seater hot tub valued at over $14,000 as the first prize; GSX (Griff Slaughter Experience) has contributed a five-hour outing on the water in his boat accommodating 15 people as the second prize valued at $1,500; and Sport Chek in Pembroke has provided a stand-up paddle board as the third prize valued at $790. Additionally, the City of Pembroke has donated a full-year adult membership at the Kinsmen Pool valued at $435. We would like to express our gratitude to everyone who has contributed these remarkable prizes. 

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To make this raffle a success, we must sell all tickets. Tickets can be purchased at Blok Pools and Hot Tubs (credit payments accepted); Alice General Store; Pembroke General Store; OK Tire; Furniture King (credit payments accepted); Heritage Hearing Care; Sunset Nursery; Total Looks Hair Design; MG Auto; The Brick; Town and Country Men’s Shop; Fresco’s Tap and Grill; The Ink Market in Petawawa; and Gearheads in Petawawa. 

Thanks to all businesses supporting FRP and selling our raffle tickets. I hope everyone in the Upper Ottawa Valley will show support for the pool by purchasing a raffle ticket—one for $20, or three for $50. 

Our committee partners with the Ottawa Valley Community Foundation to guarantee transparency and effective financial management of donations gathered. All funds raised are allocated for future repairs to the Kinsmen Pool. This pool will contribute to saving lives and improving the quality of life for many others and local clubs. 

Assisting us in reaching our objective of raising $200,000 by March 2025 is crucial. To date, we have raised $115,000.00! 

Please visit www.makeasplash.ca or check out our Facebook page for details about upcoming events, volunteering, inquiries, or to take part in our monthly 50/50 draw. 

Our forthcoming event will be yet another trivia night at the Pembroke Curling Club on January 25. Tickets are available online for $20 per person, with teams allowed to comprise six to eight individuals. 

Looking forward to seeing you there, friends! 

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