ESTEVAN – The Souris Valley Museum is one step closer to restoring its iconic locomotive, thanks to a $10,000 donation from Kingston Midstream. The cheque presentation took place on Jan. 22 at the museum grounds, with representatives from the museum and the company in attendance.
The funds will go toward the museum's capital project to restore the historic locomotive on display, which is an important part of Estevan's coal heritage. The museum had initially set a fundraising goal of $35,000, but fluctuating costs and further assessment have increased the projected budget to close to $50,000, according to museum director and curator Melanie Memory. So, the museum will continue with fundraising efforts and is applying for further funding.
Memory noted that the board also decided to dedicate some money to the project to help make it happen.
The restoration will involve significant repairs and updates to the locomotive, which has been weathered over the years. The museum is also working with the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) Local 7606 members, who are helping with the project.
Kingston Midstream's public awareness and community involvement co-ordinator, Dena Bachorcik, emphasized the company's dedication to supporting local initiatives.
"At Kingston Midstream, we are committed to building and maintaining strong relationships in the communities in which we live and operate," said Bachorcik. "We believe in supporting local non-profit organizations, charities, and community initiatives through our community investment efforts, particularly with the generous support from our parent company, James Richardson & Sons, Ltd."
The museum board expressed gratitude to the company for the community support.
As the museum continues to raise funds, it is also exploring other avenues, including grant applications and upcoming fundraising events.
"We're still fundraising," Memory said, noting there are a couple of fundraisers already scheduled for the near future with more details coming up on 小蓝视频 soon.
The locomotive restoration is just one piece of the museum's long-term vision, which includes potential plans for a coal and energy display to highlight Estevan's history as the Energy City.
"Within the museum, we want to develop more exhibits, like a coal and energy display," Memory explained. "We get a lot of tourists and other visitors wanting to know about that because that's what we're known for in our city."
Bachorcik also encouraged other organizations that provide services in communities to explore funding opportunities available through the Richardson Foundation.
For more information on Kingston Midstream's funding opportunities, visit their website (https://www.kingstonmidstream.com/about-us/community-investment/) or contact Bachorcik at 306-636-7242 or via email at [email protected].
