If you are planning a big fundraiser this year, but you need a spot to do it, the City of Windsor encourages you to consider Lanspeary Park.
City council signed off on its use during its budget process last month.
The city wants charitable organizations to apply for a weekend through its Lanspeary Park Spring/Summer 2021 - Charity Use Expression of Interest. Applications have to be in by March 19.
"I've heard from dozens of charitable organizations who really struggled to maintain their local fundraising operations as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic," said Mayor Drew Dilkens. "I'm pleased that city council endorsed making Lanspeary Park available to these groups."
Dilkens announced the new program while shining a light on the many philanthropic efforts made over the past year. The June 27 Miracle may have been the biggest, but there were hundreds of smaller campaigns. Some of the smaller ones include mask making, delivering snacks to frontline workers, grocery gift card initiatives, and efforts to help the homeless.
Dilkens told reporters the city plans to keep up its efforts too.
Since the middle of last year, the Unemployed Help Centre has used the Adie Knox Herman Recreation Complex to store, sort, and distribute food donations. The city is offering that space until at least July 31, 2021.
More recently, city staff have helped the Downtown Mission cope with a COVID-19 outbreak and offered the use of the Windsor International Aquatic and Training Centre for an emergency homeless shelter.
