Progress is being made in Stewart Valley on the new sporting grounds.
Yesterday, members of the Stinger Strong Community Fund came out to accept a donation from Richardson Pioneer of $15,000.
That money is going towards concrete for the new outdoor rink at the sporting grounds, which are located, funnily enough, at the site of the former sporting grounds on the north end of the town.
Accepting the cheque on behalf of Stinger Strong was Jennie Moen. She expressed gratitude not only to Richardson Pioneer but to everyone who has donated both their time and money to help Stewart Valley recover from the fire that took the community school.
"We needed a safe place for our kids to play," said Moen. "So as a committee we got together and decided we were going to start applying for grants."
From there, they were able to acquire the land to set up both the upcoming hockey rink and a new baseball diamond that Richardson Pioneer donated the fencing and other equipment for last year.
Carolyn Robichaud, the area marketing representative for Richardson Pioneer, affirmed the company's stance on supporting small-town endeavours to support communities.
"They like to give back to the communities that support us throughout the years," said Robichaud. "That was just us saying thank you to everybody that's helped us out, whether it's buying chemicals or selling us grain."
The goal is to have the new rink up and running next year with a concrete pour in the spring. However, depending on how things shake out, the rink may be poured this fall so long as the weather holds.
For now, the plan is to aim for spring and put together a temporary rink in the sports grounds for use this winter.
Anyone who would like to volunteer funds or their time can contact Moen.
"We are so grateful for the funds that we have received so far," said Moen. "It takes a lot of money to erect something like this. We're so fortunate that we've had so many donations so far.
Anyone who would like to help us, they can get in touch with me and they can reach out to our Stinger Strong news page.
If any other community group would like to apply, the Richardson Foundation is always on the look out for local initiatives to support.