Pathways Health Centre for Children says a public campaign to raise up to $1-million has to make a big splash to keep its therapeutic pool operating for the long term.
Executive Director Jenny Greensmith says the 140,000 litre, salt water pool used by over 11,000 swimmers each year, has been closed since late December due to a major leak.
She says the pool has been missed by children, seniors and other community members.
"I was talking with somebody who remembers before we had a therapeutic pool here in Sarnia and she had a 12-year-old daughter who desperately needed one," says Greensmith. "She didn't have access to it and in the end needed further surgeries, so people remember before and certainly they remember right now."
Repairs are underway to get the pool back up and running by September at a cost of about $100,000.
But even with the repairs, Greensmith says an estimated $700,000 to $1-million is needed to keep the pool open for the long term.
It's over 30 years old and the agency says user fees have covered less than 50% of annual operating costs since 2016.
Greensmith says they're exploring all funding avenues including grants and foundations, corporate donors, all levels of government, community charities, and individual donors.
Donations to the campaign can be made online on the Pathways website.
Individual or group fundraising ideas can be emailed to poolcampaign@pathwayscentre.org.
Pathways Health Centre for Children is a family-centred community agency that serves Lambton County children and youth with physical, developmental and communication needs, and their families.
Some specialized services for adults are also offered.
-With files from Colin Gowdy
