River City Vineyard (RCV) has received a funding boost from the community to use for its shelter expansion.
A total of $200,000 was generously donated to help with outstanding debts, operational costs, and a new roof.
The first $100,000 came from Rick Lalonde who is a longstanding supporter of the River City Mission.
This is not the first time he has donated in support of the shelter's growth.
Another generous $100,000 came from Progressive Auto Sales, who donated earlier this month.
According to the RCV, the shelter expansion has encountered unforeseen challenges that led to additional costs.
Some of these include architectural modifications and stringent building department regulations that resulted in $55,000 in payables and a $45,000 loan.
In a news release, the RCV said Lalonde's donation covered outstanding debts and the donation from Progressive Auto Sales will go towards operating costs and a new roof for the existing shelter and gymnasium.
"With most roofing companies booked solid for the upcoming spring season, the shelter faces the pressing need for immediate repairs, currently resorting to makeshift measures like using buckets to catch water leaving through the ceilings," the release said.
On the positive side, the donations mean that RCV has managed to secure more than half of the funds required for essential roof repairs.
