Towne theatre fundraising at one-third of the goal

Mar 1, 2021 | 2:37 PM

Efforts to fund a friendly takeover of the Vernon Towne Cinema have reached a milestone.

Money raised through a GoFundMe account and other individual and business donations has reached more than $25,000—one-third of the $75,000 goal.

The non-profit Okanagan Screen Arts Society has announced it will be taking over operations at the historic cinema site on 30th Avenue on June 1, 2021.

The Sellars family announced in late December that they would turn over the threatre and equipment to the society.

“We are so excited to have passed this threshold in fundraising,” said Susan Hodgson, co-chair of the society’s fundraising committee. “Along with the City of Vernon grant we received, we are assured that we’ll be able to open the doors and continue the amazing tradition of the Towne Cinema as a venue for Vernonites.”

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Volunteer members of the society will run the cinema once COVID-19 health rules allow cinemas to reopen and when important renovations are completed.

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“Non-profit, community-owned theatres have been shown to be successful across the province in preserving these historic old Main Street movie palaces from redevelopment. We are happy to be carrying on in their tradition.” Hodgson said.

Fundraising efforts continue in order for upgrades to be made to the cinema, including a wheelchair ramp, washroom improvements, a new stage and modernized film equipment.

For details on how to support the Vernon Towne Cinema, please visit www.SaveOurTowne.ca.

by Kevin Rothwell

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