It’s been a tough go for small community halls this year, but a local group is hoping to get back on track with an upcoming fundraiser.
The Rugby Community Hall in Oro-Medonte is hosting a Country Store and Marketplace event Oct. 2 and 3 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Items from about 17 vendors will be for sale at the hall, which will be set up to resemble a country store. To allow enough shoppers to be inside, the vendors — all of whom are from the area — will not be present. There will be a limited number of people allowed inside at the same time, and they must wear masks. Hand sanitizer will be available.
Products available for purchase will include everything from home decor, quilting and cards to produce, pottery and maple syrup.
The fundraiser comes at a critical time.
“Our rentals are nil,” said Ellenor Dixon, the hall’s treasurer. “Rentals are our only source of income. The only other income we have is we apply once a year to the Township of Oro-Medonte for a grant, and either you get it or you don’t get it.”
Meanwhile, bills and property taxes still need to be paid.
The Rugby Community Hall, located on Old Barrie Road, isn’t something its board or the community members are willing to give up on. It has a rich history in the area, having opened in 1872 as a schoolhouse, known as SS #9. Even when it was a school, residents were welcome to use it for community events.
“That was one of the reasons that everyone pitched in to buy it,” Dixon said, noting enough money was raised to purchase it in 1966.
It has been community owned and operated, and run by volunteers, ever since.
The board hopes others will recognize the importance of the hall and come out Oct. 2 and 3 to support it, and maybe do some early Christmas shopping.
“We’re hoping that people are wanting to get out of their houses and go somewhere for a couple of hours,” Dixon said. “It’s a chance to get out for a fun and safe time.”
A barbecue lunch will be available Oct. 3, with those proceeds also going toward the hall.
For the latest happenings at the hall, check out its Facebook page.
