County of Brant announced that the municipality received its first major donation for the new community centre in Paris on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
Donald and Jo-Anne Wilkin, through the Donald and Jo-Anne Wilkin Fund at the Brant Community Foundation, have donated $150,000 to the fundraising campaign.
“We are deeply grateful for the generosity of the Wilkin Family and the steadfast support of Brant Community Foundation,” said David Bailey, Mayor for the County of Brant. “This substantial contribution will play a significant role in reaching the $400,000 fundraising campaign goal.”
To honour this donation, the building will be named Wilkin Family Community Centre.
“We have deep roots in Paris, and we are thrilled to be a part of this project,” said Donald and Jo-Anne Wilkin. “The Community Centre will provide important space for a variety of community activities, and we are so happy that we could help to make that happen.”
With approximately 2,055 square feet of total indoor space, the Wilkin Family Community Centre will offer space for indoor and outdoor recreation, social activities, family gatherings, cultural and arts activities and a host of other opportunities to enjoy. The Wilkin Family Community Centre will be the first net zero building structure for Brant and will be home to the Paris Lawn Bowling Club and the Paris Seniors Club 99.
The cost to build the Wilkin Family Community Centre is $1.6 million dollars, with a fundraising goal of $400,000. Construction it is expected to be complete in the summer of 2024.
