CHURCH IMPROVEMENT
FUNDRAISING PROJECT
Dear Parishioners and friends,
In the Fall of 2005, St. Nicholas Parish officially launches its Church Improvement Fundraising Project. The goal of this project is:
- To improve the church-building structure, so that it meets current-day safety standards.
This goal will target three basic and long-overdue structural needs:
- the re-building of the church roof
- proper handicap access, including an elevator
- improving and expanding the hall kitchen facility
1. Church Roof
After fourty years, church roof is showing its age and has been assessed to be in poor condition. A substantial portion of the roof has been damaged by moisture infiltration. The results are rot and weakening of the roofing substructure. Simple roofing repairs and coatings will not provide a solution. Roofing replacement will require the removal of the rotted areas, with wet insulation underneath, and the application of new foam insulation and surfacing. After consulting 2 contractors, T.J. Forrest & Company Roofing Consultant has provided an estimate of $475,000.00 for this project.
2. Elevator- full access
In planning our current church building, Father Raphael Melnyk, OSBM had wanted to provide elevator access. The elevator fundraiser was recommended at the Parish Annual Meeting of 2002 and approved by the Basilian Provincial Council. The parish began collecting for the elevator that same year. As of August 2005, we have raised approximately $18,000.00 towards the elevator.
This project will provide access to the parish hall, the parking lot and to the church proper. In addition, both floors of the link will be modified, eliminating the stairs on the hall level, and adding a second washroom on the church level. Synyshyn Architecture Interior Design Inc has provided an estimate of $480,000.00.
3. Hall Kitchen facility
The parish hall kitchen is used weekly for parish functions, such as perogy making and for various dinners. Our hall also serves the community at large in providing a meeting place for senior citizens (each Thursday) and for community celebrations such as the annual Ukrainian Sportsman's Dinner. After almost fourty years, the kitchen requires renovation and expansion. Estimates are still in progress.
To re-cap our financial goals:
- Church roof $475,000
- Elevator/ handicap access $480,000
- Hall kitchen estimate pending
Our late parishioner John Drozdowski has left a bequest from his estate of of over $139,000, which has been allocated towards this project. Nonetheless, further fundraising and building may have to be realized over several years.
St. Nicholas will is appealing directing to parishioners and to the community at large for financial support. Pledge forms will be sent to parishioners. On April 28, 2006, we will hold our first annual fundraising dinner "Raising the Roof for St. Nicholas" at the Royal Crown Ballroom.
Please give generously to maintain our church, which is the Lord's House and also our own.
Father Athanasius McVay, OSBM
Father Isidore Dziadyk, OSBM
August 20, 2005