When Canadian Natural Resources Limited (CNRL) Stakeholder Relations Advisor Barbara Camponi first discussed with Bold Center Fundraising Coordinator Jane Palmer about donating to the multiplex, the running track caught their eye.
CNRL officials decided to run towards the idea by donating $100,000 towards the second level 200-metre oval.
“We had the idea at the beginning and the idea eventually became a reality,” said Camponi.
The running track, which goes around the top floor of the multiplex and has a view of the LLB lake and the fieldhouses below, will bear the black, blue and white corporate colours of CNRL.
The company, which has SAGD operations in north of Lac La Biche County, currently has 40 employees working in Lac La Biche and other northern communities, many who will benefit from the Bold Center, said Camponi.
“The whole community will grow and succeed with the Bold Center,” she said.
Todd Andrews a regional foreman with CNRL, was happy when he heard his employer was donating to the multiplex since his two children are young athletes.
“My son and my daughter are both into sports and I am happy to be a part of this initiative,” he said.
With this recent donation, the total in fundraising dollars from corporate and private donors to the facility is now close to the $4 million mark, which is almost double the original fundraising goal.
“We are very happy with the support from different companies and are excited to have Canadian Natural sponsor the running track,” said Palmer.
There is still no set date when the Bold Center will open its doors officially to the public, but County officials will be given the keys to the $55 million complex near the end of November.