SUNDRE – Non-profit organizations such as the Sundre and District Historical Society, a volunteer board that governs the Sundre and District Museum, rely heavily on funding through federal grants.
This was among the key messages imparted by the museum’s executive director, Carrie Couch, to the Yellowhead riding’s new Conservative MP William Stevenson.
During a recent meet-and-greet lunch at the museum, Couch emphasized the invaluable importance of federal grants like the Young Canada Works and the Canada Summer Jobs programs.
Courtesy of such funding from the federal government, institutions like the museum are able to alleviate the heavy workload placed on the shoulders of volunteers who help ensure the facility remains available to the public by hiring seasonal employees to get through the busiest times of year.
“Funding those summer employment opportunities is important for museums,” said Couch, the museum’s only full-time employee, who also cited rising utility and insurance costs alongside IT-related expenses as financial challenges that are making it harder to keep the doors open.
Compounding the situation is a decline in admissions this year, which despite a modest increase last year still do not come close to covering operational costs, she said.
And as many people also face financial struggles in their personal lives, she also noted some have begun turning away and leaving the museum upon being told there is a modest admission fee. As she wants the museum to be accessible to anyone regardless of their status, Couch said she invites them to return during no-cost occasions such as Heritage Day, Culture Days and Indigenous Peoples Day.
Couch also read aloud statements from museums in Rocky Mountain House as well as Carstairs and said the grant programs are vital to sustaining not only operations but also the delivery of programs for all ages.
The funding in turn contributes back into the province’s overall economy while adding to the vitality of individual communities, she said, adding it also affects the lives of many people from the employees who get an opportunity to gain valuable experience to volunteers who get some much-needed support as well as residents and visitors who can access a crucial educational link to local history.
“I hope we’ve impressed upon you what the funding represents,” she told Stevenson.
Following her presentation, the society’s president Ken Walker expressed appreciation for the funding then toured Stevenson around the museum and the historic pioneer village grounds.
The MP also remained a while longer to join the annual Strawberry Tea that featured the celebration of the museum’s new book called Whiskers, which was written by Marilyn Halvorson and illustrated by Pat Groom.
The museum in Sundre is recognized by the Alberta Museums Association and is also a major community hub that hosts annual events like Canada Day celebrations.
The society has previously successfully applied for provincial grants such as the Community Facility Enhancement Grant and also receives annual funding from the Town of Sundre as well as Mountain View County and endeavours to raise funds through events like auctions.
