Rotarians donate $25K to zoo train
The popular attraction is showing its nearly 50 years and a replacement is required
The Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha has committed $25,000 of support to sponsor a passenger coach for the new miniature train at Riverview Park and Zoo.
The passenger coach is one of three available for sponsorship as part of the park and zoo’s project to replace the existing locomotive and coaches.
“This generous offer of support by the Peterborough Kawartha Rotary Club is just one more example of a long tradition of the club’s support of our community at large, and the park and zoo in particular. Their commitment is a big step in putting us on track to meeting our fundraising goal of $300,000,” said Jim Moloney, the zoo’s manager curator.
The miniature train was established in 1974 with the support of James Hamilton. Now, almost 50 years and many kilometres later, the locomotive and its coaches need replacing.
The train ride has not only provided memories to thousands of visitors over the years, revenue from the ride also helps sustain zoo operations and to make important capital improvements.
“We are excited to once again work with Riverview Park and Zoo. We have committed $25,000 for the purchase of the new miniature train which has always been a major attraction for visitors at the zoo,” said Carl Brown, Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha president.
“Community partnerships are very important to our club as shown in our past contributions … Kawartha Rotary has financed park benches and in 2019 provided $30,000 for the purchase and installation of an outdoor musical playground. We know that the new train will provide countless joy to the community.”
The community’s help is needed for the zoo to reach its goal of replacing the train in 2023. To make a donation to the train campaign, visit bit.ly/3PoqrNE.
There is also the opportunity to purchase special dedication plates, that will be set in each seat compartment of the new train. The cost is $2,500 each and can be used to recognize your own, your family’s or your organization’s contribution to the zoo.
They can also be dedicated to honour a special project or memory of a loved one. Wheelchair accessible bench dedications are also available. You can choose the location of your seat bench plate, but inquire early as quantities are limited.
To get on board the Riverview Railway Capital Campaign as a sponsor of a passenger coach, or to dedicate a seat bench on the train, contact Cathy Mitchell, program supervisor at 705-748-9301, ext. 2304 or by email at cmitchell@riverviewparkandzoo.ca.
The zoo reopened to the public mid March. It is open every day from 8:30 a.m. until dusk. Seasonal attractions including the gift shop and snack bar run by Kiwanis are scheduled to open May 21.
Family friendly events are also planned that day. The splash pad and the train, that is undergoing repairs, will both open later in the season.
For complete details about the park and zoo, species and operation schedules visit riverviewparkandzoo.ca.
Butterfly Run
The Peterborough Butterfly Run took place April 24 through May 1 and raised more than $34,000 through the purchase of race shirts, registration fees and donations.
The race supports individuals and families who have experienced the loss of a child or are unable to conceive.
Funds raised through these annual runs have been used to provide ongoing specialized education in Perinatal Bereavement Care to health-care providers across Peterborough City and County, to establish more than 10 lending libraries across the city and county, and for the development of bereavement kits for families and individuals who experience early and later pregnancy loss and infant loss.
Since 2018, more than 500 bereavement kits have been distributed by health-care providers and PRHC.
If you couldn’t take part in the run and wish to donate, it’s not too late. Donations can still be made any time. Visit GPHSF.ca. Click “donate,” then select “Peterborough Butterfly Run.”