Magog population asked to kick in for Merry House restoration
The Town of Magog launched a public fundraising campaign Wednesday to carry out work enhancing the Merry House and is urging the public to make a donation to supplement the financing from private sources.
Magog Mayor Vicki May Hamm explained that, “In the financial structure accepted by the municipal council, it was expected that we would raise $1 million in private donations, in addition to grants from various levels of government and the contribution of the City of Magog.” She added that “the fundraising committee worked very hard and raised $939,000 from private donors, foundations and businesses and the response we have received from those we have contacted individually and from various levels of government is exceptional. This is proof of the relevance of the project. We have completed funding from public sources and with this campaign among the population; we are starting the final sprint. We are hopeful of exceeding our goal of a million dollars. Soon, each household will have received a postcard explaining why and how to make a donation.
Hamm added that work should begin shortly. “We want to open the Merry House to the public as soon as possible in 2018 to finally give access to this place which has been private for so many years.
City Councillor and Chair of the Culture Committee Diane Pelletier is inviting all Magog citizens and visitors to contribute to the cause, affirming that, “Making a donation, no matter how small, is a way of appropriating this
place of citizen memory and of being part of the history of Magog. In addition to being a complementary tool for financing of the project, private donations have a symbolic value. For this reason, the people who donate as part of this public campaign will have their name entered in a large art book that will be on display at the Merry House. This document will become a testimony of those who helped to write a page in the history of Magog. Present and future generations can enjoy this exceptional site and it is for this reason that we have chosen as theme the Merry family, which is considered the founder of the town of Magog.”
At the same time, Pelletier also announced that all those who donate will be eligible to take part in the “Win a dinner at Maison Merry” contest. Donors can win a lively dinner for six at the Maison Merry. The dinner will be held once the work is completed and will be prepared by a local chief punctuated by historical references. More details on this will be announced later.
There are three possible ways to donate: • Online at maisonmerry.generosa.ca • In person, at the Magog Town Hall (7, Principale St. East)
• By mail, obtain the form on the city’s website at: www.ville.magog.qc.ca/maisonmerry or at city hall (7, Principale East).
For additional information, call 819843-3333, ext. 814.