The curtain will rise on an accessibility project at a Vernon theatre.
The Armstrong Regional Cooperative (ARC) and Otter Co-op will present $32,000 to the Okanagan Screen Arts Society's accessibility project at the Towne Theatre.
The project is one of 14 across Western Canada to receive a portion of the $1 million Co-op Community Spaces funding in 2025.
“The Armstrong Regional Co-op is proud to support local organizations like the Okanagan Screen Arts Society that are making a difference to our members and to our community," said ARC marketing and community relations manager Jason Keis. "When completed, the Vernon Towne Theatre’s accessibility project will open our local theatre and make it available for everyone in our community to enjoy.”
Added Sean Weatherly, marketing and communications manager for Otter Co-op and Angry Otter Liquor: "We're incredibly excited to be a part of this important initiative. Improvements like this ensure that everyone in our community, regardless of ability, can enjoy the art, culture, and experience that the Vernon Towne Theatre provides."
Co-op Community Spaces is designed to help protect, beautify and improve spaces across Western Canada. Federated Co-operatives Limited administers community spaces on behalf of more than 150 local co-ops operating in 650 communities.
“We are very thankful to Co-op for their Community Spaces donation and excited to have it kick start our fundraising for the theatre’s accessibility project,” said Scott John, managing director with the Okanagan Screen Arts Society.
The only other B.C. project to receive funding is a community gazebo build in Mackenzie, north of Prince George.
With the United Nations declaring 2025 the International Year of the Co-operative, this year’s program carries greater purpose and significance than ever before.
Through initiatives like Community Spaces, Co-op is proud to celebrate the meaningful contributions co-operatives – such as ARC – make to communities at home and around the world.
Learn more about the Co-op Community Spaces program and its recipients at communityspaces.ca.
