$30,000 donation jump starts Omemee splash pad campaign

Ward 6 Coun. Ron Ashmore first brought the idea of a splash pad to council six years ago, making it part of the plan to clean up and restore the Omemee Beach. “We’ve got a dedicated area in the park for it. It’s just a matter of getting the funds raised,” he said.

The goal is to raise $700,000 over the next two to three years to help bring the vision to life. The splash pad will be fully accessible and include a toddler, teen and family section.

The Omemee Community Fund in support of the Omemee splash pad recently received donations of $15,000 each from PD Realty Inc. and Countryside Pharmacy to kickstart the campaign.

“This is the first and largest donation to the Omemee Community Fund splash pad campaign from two local businesses who have decided to come together and unite in one common goal, and that’s to see a splash pad built here in Omemee,” said Patrick Daley, chair of the Omemee Community Fund Advisory Board and owner of PD Realty Inc.

On top of the $15,000 donation, PD Realty will also donate $250 each time a property they have listed sells.

The hope is that the new splash pad will not only benefit Omemee, but also the surrounding areas like Bethany and Downeyville as well. “It will bring people to the village, which will benefit our businesses. They’re here for the day. They could stop in do some shopping. It’s a really big benefit for the entire community,” said Shannon Brohm, an Omemee Community Fund board member.

More fundraising initiatives will be happening, such as a sold-out loonie auction on Feb. 6 and a 50/50 online raffle that will draw on Feb. 25 at rafflebox.ca/raffle/kcf-ocf.

“People can reach out to us at any time with any questions, or if they’d like to get involved in other ways than just donating dollars,” said Daley.

For more information go to kawarthafoundation.ca/funds/omemee-fund.