Westerner Park took another step towards putting its financial troubles behind it with the announcement on Wednesday that $7.6 million had been raised in the Westerner Foundation’s capital campaign.
Foundation chairman John Donald, whose family made a multi-million contribution to the campaign, said most of the money came from individuals who stepped up despite the tough times and the ongoing pandemic.
Donald believes the success of the fundraising effort shows that the area recognizes what the facility means to the region.
“I think the community realizes what a big part of the community the Westerner is and what it would mean to the community to lose it.
“That message got out and that was the vital message. We came terribly close to losing such a huge part of this community. This park brings everyone together.
“Westerner Park is a huge part of the soul of central Alberta and a huge economic driver in central Alberta. And it could have been lost. We came dangerously close.”
Westerner Park was in dire financial straits two years ago. It had over-extended itself financially and then COVID-19 shut down the large events that are the bread and butter of the facilities.
But even before COVID hit, Westerner Park was in trouble and the Donald family looked for a way to help.
“I think we feel that the Westerner is such a large part of central Alberta,” he said, rhyming off some of the marquee events it hosts including the CFR Finals, Agri-Trade and the upcoming World Junior championship.
“It’s a such a huge economic driver of Red Deer and central Alberta. Without it, what would that look like?
“So, we made our mind that we needed to come up with a solution to save the Westerner — and that was the foundation.”
The money will give Westerner Park the cash to undertake necessary repairs and maintenance, as well as financing other projects to attract organizations and events and undertake educational initiatives.
John’s father Jack Donald, who with wife Joan, have donated millions to Red Deer and central Alberta organizations and initiatives, said Westerner Park was always about bringing the rural and city communities together.
“The Westerner has been very important in bringing agriculture right into the centre of Red Deer.”
Westerner Park CEO Mike Olesen said the $22 million in financing help — including a $3 million grant and $19 million loan — approved by Red Deer city council in May stabilized the organization’s finances and made it sustainable.
The foundation funds provide an endowment and the cash to “sustain the organization and grow the parts that help us progress in the future.
“It also allows us to explore innovative events in important industries like agriculture to bring even greater events and more unique ones to Westerner Park. It gives us the ability to have working capital to do that.”
Where the money will go is to be determined. A facility assessment project is underway to examine the $150 million worth of assets under Westerner Park management.