Martin Shields, Strathmore Library host hot dog fundraiser

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Strathmore Municipal Library, in partnership with Bow River Riding MP Martin Shields, hosted a hot dog fundraiser in Kinsmen Park, shortly following the conclusion of the Strathmore Stampede Parade on Aug. 3.

Hosted annually, the event aims to raise money to assist the library in being able to maintain its regular programming throughout the course of a given year. 

“All the money donated goes to the library to expand our programs and services and make sure that we can keep offering all that we do for free to Strathmore and area residents,” said Rachel Dick Hughes, director of library services. “The impact is so broad … the finances are always important for public institutions; we need that money to keep our doors open, but also the library being out in the community and visible puts it on people’s radar.”

At previous iterations of the event, approximately $500 tends to be reliably raised for the library. Dick Hughes added this equates to roughly 20 per cent of the library’s annual program budget. 

“Our budget for programs is only $2,500 in a year, so we do a lot with the money that we can get, and so $500 is huge. That could essentially fund all the supplies for our early literacy programs for the year,” she said. “It is a big deal for us. Our main challenge is just making sure we have the funds to have the staff available to help people.”

The library’s board of directors maintains an ongoing goal to raise $10,000 beyond what is granted to the library by the town and the province every year. 

Thus far throughout the current year, Dick Hughes said the library has been able to breach the $4,000 mark to support its programs and operations. 

“We have had a lot of support from businesses such as Domino’s, Peavy Mart, Coop, No Frills, and Four Sisters,” she explained. “We are seeing a lot of community support, and it just means a lot and it means we can just make sure that more children are starting school ready to read and that children do not struggle as much in school, and event that adults who are struggling with literacy or digital challenges get the support that they need.”

Shields emphasized the importance of local libraries not only for literacy tools, but also for the host of services to the public able to be provided by such facilities. 

“They can answer so many of the questions that people might have, and they are open more days and more hours than any other public service in our country,” said Shields. “Library hours are extensive compared to other places you might go to get services, and they have access to a lot of information, a lot of services, and it is not just about books.”

The Strathmore Library will be hosting several more fundraisers in the fall, such as a silent auction in October, and the return of the cat café, working alongside the Happy Cat Sanctuary.