Memorial Wall- Begins!
The
good news is that the Wall project is underway and the will be
completed for the August 15 ceremony.
The HKVCA National Executive has had to make some tough decisions.
Due to the prestigious site that the NCC has given us in Ottawa the design for the wall needed to change to enhance the area. With these changes we were expecting some cost increases – however we were shocked to see how much. We have to deal with the NCC approved companies and we are building in prime time so the cost was a huge difference.
However the good news is we are proceeding! We have the money to purchase the granite, engraving and installation BUT we need to continue fundraising to do the foundation and landscaping.
We need another $150,000 to complete the project. WOW that sounds like a lot – and it is – however if we break it down to 1000 people/companies contributing $150 or 500 people/companies contributing $300 – you get the picture. We have asked the Regions to loan us some money to have the foundation done but we need to pay that back in a timely manner.
We have approached another government agency and veterans associations for funds but we are hoping that our members, who have been so generous to date, will look around in their community to see if there is opportunity to solicit funds from people or companies or associations around you. We have a letter prepared that we will send to you or you can supply the address and we will do it. We need this project completed. We ask that you notify the Wall Committee of whomever you approach to ensure that this is no duplication.
The landscaping will be done after the dedication, money permitting, as we need the space for our members and the Hong Kong children’s orchestra and choir to perform at the ceremony.
Mike Babin and the ON Region are working with the Hong Kong Economic Trade Organization for a fundraising concert with profits going to the Wall project.
We are grateful for the help of Randy Wing, HKVCA member in Ottawa, who has been terrific with expediting this project, of Lauren Heinrichs (granddaughter of Ferd Poitras, WG, HK vet deceased and daughter of Pam Heinrichs – MB Ed committee) who did the graphics work, of Jim Lennox who worked on the new wall design and landscaping and for Rick Cunliffe who designed the foundation.
That’s it for now we hope you will be in Ottawa for the dedication.Memorial Wall Committee
Carol Hadley, Chair
Phil Doddridge, Derrill Henderson, Barry
Mitchell, Murray Doull, and Ron McGuire.