Recognizing the need for a new community centre, the Town of Aylmer and Township of Malahide agreed on the building of a new facility, the East Elgin Community Complex, situated on 17 acres with two NHL-sized arenas and a banquet hall that seats 600 at an estimated cost of $9.2 million. The Town and Township committed $4 million, and the Federal and Provincial Governments contributed $2.7 million. But the most important effort in achieving our complex was the public fundraising campaign, which had a goal of $2.5 million.
In 2003, the Kinsmen Club of Aylmer led the way with their pledge of $200,000, and the Kinsmen Arena was named in recognition of their gift. Now, in 2014, the East Elgin Community Complex would like to both congratulate and thank the Kinsmen Club of Aylmer on the completion of their pledge.
“Serving the Community’s Greatest Needs” is the official motto of the Kinsmen Clubs of Canada. On Nov. 25, 2014, the Kinsmen Club of Aylmer will celebrate its 70th anniversary. A leader in construction of the East Elgin Memorial Community Centre in 1952, it only seemed fitting to the many Aylmer men who served as Kinsmen members over the years that they be leaders again. They saw construction of a new Complex as a benefit to many people and in many ways, through minor hockey, figure skating, trade shows, community functions and wedding receptions.
In the past, the Kinsmen Club of Aylmer has been a proud sponsor and partner of the annual Family New Year’s Eve Party and Canada Day Celebration, as well as the Ontario and Canadian Horseshoe Pitching Championships and the NHL Leafs Alumni Game. The Club has hosted the Business Christmas Dinner, Trivia Night and many other events at the East Elgin Community Complex!
Not only did the team achieve its original goal of $2.5 million, but they surpassed it by raising over $3 million! The success of this campaign can be attributed to one thing – people!
For more information on ice rentals, programs and events at the East Elgin Community Complex, visit: www.eastelgincommunity complex.ca or email tklachan@eastelgincommunitycomplex.ca.
www.eastelgincommunitycomplex.ca
— Submitted by East Elgin Community Complex
