Mayor Dave Augustyn’s column for the week of 12 March 2018 - Meridian contributes to Community Centre.
Thanks to a $1 million contribution from Meridian Credit Union, Pelham’s new and beautiful Community Centre will be named the “Meridian Community Centre.”
Last Thursday, significant donors and Council gathered to make this announcement and to celebrate Meridian’s commitment to our community.
Even though they have grown to the largest credit union in the Province and the fourth largest in Canada, Meridian remains committed to its founding vision of helping the communities in which they operate.
They are a generous partner in so many community initiatives in Pelham and across the Niagara Peninsula. From supporting the Pelham Summerfest, to the Rankin Run, to naming other facilities, Meridian embodies their vision of supporting communities. They “walk the talk” by investing 4% of their pre-tax profits into donations and sponsorships to make our communities even stronger and more vibrant.
With the strong foundation of the Fonthill District Credit Union, then the Pelham Credit Union, then Niagara Credit Union, the Meridian Credit Union name represents a very long history in Pelham. That foundation includes community members coming together and working together for others and for the common good.
Wade Stayzer, Meridian Senior Vice-President and former Fonthill Branch Manager, explained the rational for their gift: “As a organization, we’re committed to building strong communities and this is a great example of that.” Further, he said that the new facility satisfied all three criteria Meridian uses in selecting recipients – a benefit to its members, to its employees and to its community. Referencing the range of activities that will occur in the facility, he added that “the Meridian Community Centre will be a place filled with moments that matter.”
This contribution stands unparalleled in our Town’s history. We are so grateful to Meridian Credit Union and all its members for demonstrating this incredible support.
As part of the acknowledgement of this generous contribution, Pelham Town Council will designate the street immediately north of the community centre as “Meridian Way.”
This contribution and those of other major donors – including Lucchetta Homes, Erwin Taylor Charitable Foundation and Contour Foot Care (also announced last week) – helps the Town of Pelham reach 90% of our $3 million fundraising goal for the new centre.
On behalf of Council, I deeply appreciate the generosity of these amazing donors! Their gifts demonstrate significant support for the new facility and show that by working together we can invest in and improve our community and achieve great things.
On behalf of all our residents and businesses, we thank Meridian for your amazing investment in Pelham and in Niagara!
For more information about the Meridian Community Centre and fundraising options, please check-out the special website at www.ourmcc.ca.
You may contact Mayor Dave at mayordave@pelham.ca or read past columns at www.pelhammayordave.blogspot.com.
