The Blind River Rotary Club has reached its fundraising goal to build a $25,000 accessible memorial gazebo to honour Bea Jensen, a long-time club member and active community volunteer, who died earlier this year.
“Our fundraising efforts exceeded the goal by over $5,000. We are no longer asking for donations, though will continue to accept any that come in,” said Rotary president Eva Whitmore.
The fundraiser began at the beginning of the month to pay for the 12-foot by 18-foot structure, which will accommodate two picnic tables, have attractive wooden posts, a solid foundation and low-maintenance roof.
The club is seeking public input on the design and location for the structure.
It will be built on Sellers Beach starting the spring.
Jensen was well known for her community work.
For many years she was a teacher at St. Joseph School in Blind River and left a mark on each and every child she taught.
She was involved with numerous organizations including NSHN Blind River Foundation/auxiliary/board member, Rotary, Golden Birches Terrace Council, Union Representative for AEFO, Paroisse Ste-Famille church committee member, canvasser for Heart and Stroke Foundation, Cancer Foundation and Kidney Foundation.
Her greatest love and passion was organizing the Blind River Senior Games.
Donations to the club for its ongoing community work can be made by cheque, payable and mailed to Blind River Rotary Club, Box 1568, Blind River, Ont., P0R 1B0.
For more information on Rotary activity, residents can contact Whitmore at [email protected].