The Pictou County 4H says it has about two-thirds of the money collected as part of its fundraising efforts to build a new section onto its 4H Life Skills building on the exhibition grounds.
In-kind donations of labour and equipment as well as financial contributions from local businesses, community groups and the Municipality of the County of Pictou have been collected as part of the 4H massive fundraising effort.
On Friday, the Municipality of the County of Pictou presented the 4H group with a cheque for $75,000 and $20,00 for Kings Mutual Insurance Company. Pictou Mutual Community Fund donated $10,000 and Proudfoot Motors presented a cheque to the group for $2,500. The 4H club also accepted a donation of $20,000 from Balodis Inc.
Mark Firminger, co-chair of the 4H building committee, said the concrete floor for the new barn is poured and work is being done on the knee around outside perimeter. He said Alan Sutherland and team are expected to start the carpentry work on the walls and roof by the end of next week.
He said there is a chance, if the weather remains good, that the roof of the new building will be intact for exhibition on Sept. 6-10.
The design of the new section of the 4H Life Skills building, built in 1982, will increase the building in width and length.
The new design will include a kitchen area that will allow the 4-H Council to comply with current food safety regulations, with two washrooms and a separate storage facility. Overall the project is expected to cost between $250,000 and $300,000.