There are about a hundred benches located throughout Selkirk, and under the city’s new sponsorship program, members of the public can sponsor one and support the sustainability of Selkirk’s parks, and its culture and recreational programming.
The first group to sponsor a bench was Age Friendly, who unveiled a bench in Queen’s Park in honour of the late Dr. Ian Reid back in June.
Dedicated to Reid for his commitment to community
Age Friendly – an organization Reid belonged to in its infancy – chose to honour Reid for his commitment to his community. The bench was unveiled during a ceremony on June 18.
“Dr. Ian Reid was one of the original members of the Selkirk Age Friendly Committee. One of the features of an Age Friendly community is social participation and intergenerational activities,” said Lee Hanson, Co-Chair of Age Friendly.
“Dr. Reid was very instrumental in the development of the Selkirk Age Friendly logo which highlights these features, it was very important for him that the logo represented inclusivity for all ages!”
The good doctor was a colourful character and a force to be reckoned with. An avid outdoorsman, Reid was famous for waterskiing on the Red River as a young man and for standing up for what he believed in.
“He was also a champion for well-maintained and accessible outdoor spaces and buildings to enable people of all ages to conduct their daily activities,” Hanson said.
“I believe that it is fitting that we now have a bench in his memory because he was a big advocate for well-maintained sidewalks, walking trails, and benches.”
Bench sponsorship is available to anyone – sponsor one today!
Anyone can sponsor a bench, and details of how to do it can be found MySelkirk.ca/Sponsorship.
Selkirk has approximately 100 benches located throughout the city that are available to be sponsored. The city is also selling sponsorship spaces for park features such as the pool and dog park.
Kyla Ray, Selkirk’s Manager of Cultural and Recreational Programs, says the Age Friendly sponsorship demonstrates perfectly what the program is about.
“It’s giving back to your community coming full circle with Age Friendly sponsoring a bench in Dr. Reid’s honour,” Ray said.
“Dr. Reid was a big supporter of his community and now a community group is giving back in his name. It’s quite nice.”
Sponsorship offsets operational costs of programs, parks, recreation and more
Revenues from the sponsorship program help to offset the operational costs of programs, parks, recreation, heritage and cultural initiatives in Selkirk. A portion of sponsorship dollars go into the Selkirk Endowment funds that are held by the Selkirk & District Community Foundation. Interest off of endowment investments is used to support city programs and services, providing a sustainable source of funding today and into the future.
Some of the sponsorship dollars also go into reserves and can be used for equipment repair and replacement.
“The Sponsorship Program provides an additional non-tax revenue stream that can be used to fund services and infrastructure projects,” Ray said.
“It can also foster community engagement and enhance the quality of life for residents through improved parks, recreational facilities, special events and more.”
Selkirk Coun. Kelly Cook says sponsorship enables the city to do more without turning to the taxpayer.
“It’s another revenue stream that doesn’t increase the demand for taxes on the general ratepayer in the City of Selkirk,” Cook said.
“It’s an avenue also for somebody who would like to do something in memory of somebody, like Age Friendly did with the late Dr. Ian Reid. Or for a business or an organization to sponsor a particular initiative, or a bench on our AT routes that are expanding.”
Sponsorship builds community
Access Credit Union sponsored Canada Day and the Selkirk Port Market this year. President and CEO Larry Davey says sponsorship builds community.
“As a member-owned organization, our commitment to giving back to the communities we serve runs deep,” stated Larry Davey, President and CEO of Access Credit Union.
“We are committed to enhancing communities such as the City of Selkirk through our support of organizations, charities, and events, underscoring our mutual goal of fostering a stronger community.”
Learn more and take part in the sponsor program today! www.myselkirk.ca/sponsorship
