Wellesley Township, ON – With the official ground-breaking for the new Wellesley Township Recreation Centre complete, excitement is really starting to build around the project and supporting the Capital Campaign.
“The support this facility is receiving continues to be remarkable,” says Capital Campaign Chair, Chris Martin. “Today we are pleased to announce the names of the Capital Campaign Honorary Advisors: Gary and Brenda Leis, Paul and Jo-Anne Straus and Jeff and Julie Jones. We are grateful for their leadership and support.” The Honorary Advisors are all highly respected community leaders who have been involved in many township causes and projects, and are ex-officio members of the Capital Campaign Management team.
Gary and Brenda Leis have lived in the Township of Wellesley since 1986 when Gary joined his father’s business, Leis Feed and Supply. Gary’s roots in Wellesley date back to his childhood as he spent his first 19 years in the town. Gary and Brenda raised their three children in Wellesley and have always enjoyed the close-knit nature of the town where everyone worked together to make it a safe and special place to live. They have a long history of community involvement and have been part of the Wellesley Apple Jacks, Wellesley Lions Club, and Wellesley Apple Butter and Cheese Festival. The Leis family has been involved in minor sports including hockey, soccer and baseball and local projects including the Community Health Centre and Pond View Seniors’ condos. “We’re excited about the new recreational centre from a health promotion perspective for all age groups, and as a physical space to build community within the township.” say the Leis’.
Paul and Jo-Anne Straus have called St. Clements home for 45 years. They raised their two children in the town, and are now pursuing their hobby of raising quarter horses. Paul was a long-time employee and the former CEO and President of Home Hardware Stores Limited in St. Jacobs, and Jo-Anne has had several placements working in senior programs with the cities of Kitchener and Waterloo. Both Paul ad Jo-Anne have a history of being involved in their community. From minor hockey and seniors’ programs to the Community Service Board, Paul and Jo-Anne have supported programs, events, and projects in St. Clements. “The Wellesley Township Recreation Centre will provide social and recreational opportunities for everyone,” say the Straus’. “Our community is growing and deserves an up-to-date facility.”
Jeff and Julie Jones are proud, life-long residents of Linwood where they raised their three children and are owners of Jones Feed Mills Ltd.. Both of their families have been active and involved in the community, supporting events such as Linwood SnoFest. The Jones’ leadership and support was instrumental in the development of and fundraising for both the original and current Linwood Community Centre, the baseball diamonds, the walking trail, and the memorial forest. Their efforts have helped make Linwood and the entire Township a thriving, family focused, healthy community. “The new recreation centre with all of its amenities is well suited to be used by everyone in the township year-round,” say the Jones’. “Not only will it bring the township together, but it will also help keep our younger generations here. Our daughter Carli recently moved back to the area, and the new recreation centre played a role in that decision.”
L-R: Jeff Jones, Julie Jones, Brenda Leis, Gary Leis, Jo-Anne Straus, Paul Straus
“These Honorary Advisors have a long history of being strong supporters, advocates and trailblazers in the growth and development of the Township,” says Martin. “Their support of this build has helped bring excitement to this project that will truly provide Something for Everyone.”
To find out more about the Wellesley Township Recreation Centre “Something for Everyone” Capital Campaign, to donate to the campaign, purchase a seat in the new arena and to find out about upcoming community fundraising events visit www.something4everyone.ca.
About the Wellesley Township Recreation Centre
The Wellesley Township Recreation Centre will be located at Queens Burh and Hutchinson Roads in Wellesley Township. Along with an NHL-sized rink, the 62,000-square-foot facility will include eight dressing rooms (two fully accessible), a dressing room for the Applejacks Junior C hockey team, The Wellesley Township Community Health Centre, a youth centre, seniors’ centre, a gymnasium that can serve as a community centre, meeting rooms, fitness centre, a walking track, and a commercial kitchen. The outdoor portion of the complex will also include a multi-use court, skateboard park, active outdoor play centre, two soccer fields and outdoor walking trails.
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