ST. JOHN'S, NL, June 22, 2012 /CNW/ - The Home from The Sea campaign is realizing great support to its fundraising efforts thanks to an investment from the Government of Canada. Today, the Honourable Peter Penashue, Regional Minister for Newfoundland and Labrador, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, announced a $500,000 contribution to the campaign on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.
"The seal fishery has played an important role in the culture and heritage of our province as well as the economic success of communities across Newfoundland and Labrador", says Minister Penashue. "By supporting this initiative, our Government is proudly displaying its commitment to supporting the seal fishery, past and present, as well as its contributions to our culture and identity."
The Home from The Sea campaign is raising $2.5 million to create a memorial statue, educational interpretation centre and walking path in Elliston, NL. Once completed, it will honour and acknowledge sealers and help educate future generations of contributions of the seal fishery.
During the event held this morning at the Sheraton Hotel Newfoundland in St. John's, Minister Penashue committed $500,000 to the Home from The Sea Campaign to assist the campaign reaching its goal.
The Honourable John C. Crosbie, Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador and Patron of the Home from The Sea campaign spoke to the importance of the project at the press conference. "The time has come for us to recognize the contributions of sealers to our society and economy," says His Honour. "This memorial and interpretation centre will commemorate the sacrifices of those who face hardship and danger to support their families and build the communities we call home."
Campaign Co-Chairs Leo Power and Chris Collingwood shared the campaign's gratitude to the Government of Canada, saying, "The Home from The Sea campaign is very appreciative of this investment from the Government of Canada and is truly humbled by the support we have received from donors to date." Power added that with this contribution the campaign has reached $2.1 million milestone.
Home from The Sea includes a memorial sculpture as well as interpretation centre and interpretive walking path. It is a memorial recognizing the loss of life from the 1914 Sealing Disasters and, in the larger context, recognition of the lives and work of all sealers and their historic contribution to the culture, economy and development of communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.
Michelle Cannizzaro
Campaign Coordinator - Home from The Sea
(709) 753-0794, Ext 29
(709) 685-1631
[email protected]
Cory Hann
Press Secretary
Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs
(613) 943-1838
[email protected]
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