Sponsors still needed for 55 Games

Shannon LeClair
Times Reporter

 

With the snow on the ground it may be hard to believe, but it won’t be too long until the Alberta 55 Plus Summer Games comes to Strathmore. The Alberta 55 Plus Summer Games Society along with the Town of Strathmore, Alberta Sport Connection, Alberta Government and the Alberta 55 Plus Association will run the games.
Since the announcement that Strathmore won the bid to host the Games the Society has been hard to work preparing and planning. One of the hardest, and most essential things needed for an event this size, is sponsorship.
“Our total budget for the games is $1.3 million. So far local sponsors have come on board to the tune of about $536,000. We have had such a great response so far from the community,” said Cave Starling, Friends of the Games director.
“To date, with other funds that have been committed through Casinos and government grants, we are about at $800,000 but still have a long way to go to attain our $1.3 million.”
There are different sponsorship levels available and many ways that businesses, organizations and individuals can get involved and help out.
“We accept any type of help we can get for the games. Besides cash donations, we accept gift in kind donations as well. Gift in kind donations are supplying a budgeted item, offsetting the expense that we would have to otherwise pay,” said Starling.
For example, Precise Vacuum Services, a local supplier of vacuum cleaners, vacuflo systems and repair services came to the aid of the society by supplying them with a vacuflo system for their office free of charge. Strathmore Ford has also come on board, supplying transportation for the Games.
Thanks to their support, and that of many others, those are things that the Society doesn’t need to worry about purchasing.
There has also been confirmation that one company will supply all of the volunteer shirts, but details are still being worked out before a name will be released.
“As for other opportunities we have event sponsorships available as well as the closing ceremonies,” said Starling.
“Also we are hosting Britain’s Finest, one of the world’s top Beatles tribute bands and are looking for a sponsor for this huge event.”
For more information about sponsoring in any way contact Bruce Bryan at 403-934-1235, or Bruce Thomson at 403-934-4347.
There’s also one other great way to help out, and one that could win you a vacation. Until April the Society is hosting a raffle featuring 12 prizes of $5,000 travel vouchers. Every ticket holder will have 12 chances to win one of these trips. Tickets sell for $100 each and can be purchased at the office located at 233-3 Ave. The office is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.