The Blyth Festival has launched a $500,000 matching-gift campaign to secure its future for the next 50 years.
Thanks to a lead gift of $250,000 from the Margaret and Andrew Stephens Family Foundation of Canmore, Alberta, supporters now have the chance to double the impact of their donations.
The Stephens Family Foundation's pledge, one of the largest private donations received by the Festival, aims to inspire others to contribute towards sustaining the Blyth Festival's legacy of showcasing Canadian stories.
Andrew Stephens shared that their family has deep ties to Midwestern Ontario and has always valued the Huron shores and Blyth as part of their summer traditions.
"When Margaret passed away in 2014, the kids and I started thinking about using our family foundation to make the kinds of investment that could drive real change," he said. "We believe strongly that Canada needs a venue to create and tell Canadian stories, and the Blyth Festival is the leader in doing this. It was a natural fit.”
The Foundation's decision to support the Festival aligns with their belief in the importance of nurturing Canadian storytelling.
The campaign has already garnered support from two local families, David Southen and Susan Carlyle of London, and an anonymous family, each pledging $50,000. This momentum puts the Festival well on its way to meeting its fundraising goal, especially with the Stephens Family's pledge to match an additional $150,000 from other donors.
Gil Garratt, Blyth Artistic Director, expressed immense gratitude for the Stephens Family's commitment to the Festival's future.
“Andrew and his family have blown us away with their passion for the future of the Blyth Festival. This gift comes at a pivotal time. There is no question, the arts in Canada are in trouble, coast to coast to coast," Garratt said. "This gift from Andrew and his family is not only going to help us emerge from the pandemic, but it will allow us to confidently plan, build, and dream for the future. We cannot thank Andrew, Eric, Emily, Patricia, and Trevor enough for this astonishing gift."
He emphasized the critical role of such donations, especially during challenging times for the arts in Canada due to the pandemic.
The Blyth Festival, a registered charity, relies on contributions from various sources to bridge the gap between government support and ticket sales. Supporters interested in participating in this campaign are encouraged to contact Jen Lamb for more information (jlamb@blythfestival.com / 1-877-862-5984 ext. 208)