Giving group supports historic house

100-Plus Who Care to meet again June 9

The Charles Macdonald House of Centreville Society is the 100-Plus Who Care Giving Group Annapolis Valley’s first recipient of 2022.

The decision was made following online voting after members had a chance on March 10 to virtually hear officials from three nonprofit projects pitch their work for funding support. After five-minute presentations, members vote on which group will be the recipient of each member’s $100 donation.

The Valley Regional Hospital Foundation and the West Hants Historical Society both received Rewind 89.3 advertising promotional support to help them in their work.

The foundation was represented by Hillary Webb, who described the “greatest wealth as health.” In 1985, the first foundation members raised 25 per cent of the costs for the new regional hospital, and have continued to raise funds for programs, services and highly specialized equipment for the 100,000 people in three counties it serves.

The land is now for sale again, and the society would like it returned to Fort Edward as an opportunity to promote the area’s First Nations, Acadian, Planter and more modern heritage to visitors from around the world.

Board member Isabel Luce spoke for the Charles Macdonald House of Centreville Society. The main house needs extensive repairs to continue offering tours, art displays and a community space. It is a provincial heritage building in recognition of its unique cement construction, and the influences of its builder, Charles Macdonald, on business, community and life from Kentville to the Bay of Fundy shore, home to several well-known, colourful rock-and-cement cottages.

The 100-Plus Who Care Giving Group Annapolis Valley’s next quarterly meeting is planned for June 9. New members are welcome. Visit 100valleygiving.ca for information on past nonprofit recipients, joining details and upcoming events.

Shirley Pineo, representing the West Hants Historical Society, described the early history of Fort Edward, dating back to 1700s. Portions of the property were sold in 1966 to the Town of Windsor for a community pool.

CONTRIBUTED As members of 100-Plus Who Care Giving Group Annapolis Valley wrapped up their March 10 online meeting, they sent out congratulations to all the non-profit organizations which continue to make a difference with their good work.

FILE The Charles Macdonald Concrete House in Centreville, with the ends of the rotting wooden supports of the original concrete roof exposed.