The Rimbey Junior/Senior High School will receive $1,000 to go towards a provincial volleyball tournament to be hosted by the school next month.
At its regular meeting, Oct. 10, council agreed to comply with a recommendation by CAO Tony Goode to support the school for the funding.
The school had previously applied for the Community Events Grant Program funding for $500, but was turned down by the recreation board as it did not qualify for approval due to the school’s municipal property tax exemption.
Presently, there is only $1,625.71 remaining in the community events budget, so council agreed to take the funds from the public relations fund.
In a letter to Mayor Sheldon Ibbotson and council, Marian Johnson, chairperson for the Rimbey Junior/Senior High School Parent Council pointed out the event will bring many people to the community and will be an opportunity to showcase the town.
She said one of the challenges faced by the organizing committee is that they are already running at a deficit and need to find sponsors for the event in an attempt to break even.
“I am writing to ask, on behalf of the parent council, if the Town of Rimbey might be able to sponsor the banquet, which will be attended by all the players and coaches from Rimbey Jr/Sr High School, as well as those from the other 11 teams,” she said. “Any support you are able to provide would be appreciated, and would reduce the financial burden on the team, and the school community.”
Councilor Gayle Rondeel supported granting the school the funding, but asked that a budget be submitted to council so they could ascertain where the money would be spent.
“This tournament is a big deal for Rimbey. I would like to see us support it,” said Ibbotson.