It’s a big ask, but they’re confident it will work out.
The Muslim Society of Guelph (MSOG) has launched a fundraiser to help with construction costs for building its 15,000 square-foot community centre, with a goal of raising $430,000 by the end of 2022.
The total cost for this phase is estimated to be around $1.6 million; they’ve paid $800,000 so far and have $370,000 left in their building reserves, but need the remaining $430,000 to keep construction from stalling.
The reason for the fast-approaching deadline is twofold. For one, community members who donate before the end of the year will receive a tax receipt for the 2022 tax year. But they’re also hoping to close the envelope before the end of the year so they can continue to work through the winter.
They first broke ground on the project in May, and expected it would only take a few months to complete the first phase of construction, but have hit a few snags along the way.
“The pandemic has pushed everything back, and the suppliers are not ready,” said Muhammed Sayyed, president of the MSOG.
So far, they’ve constructed the steel frame and set the bulk of the foundation for the building, but need construction to keep going so they can seal it off from the elements.
“If the envelope is closed, then the rest of the work can continue even during the winter, or we can start early next year,” he said.
If they don’t meet their financial goal by the deadline, he said they will look for someone to provide a loan. But they’re hoping it will work out.
“If 1,000 people are committing $500 or $1,000, they are also getting tax donations, which will give them a significant chunk back. It’s a combined effort,” he said. “So far we have reached all of our targets, so I’m confident we will reach the target. But we really need a push from everyone to help us.”
He said they see the centre as a place for growth and bonding, where communities can come together. The MSOG currently holds a number of events and activities, but because they have limited space, can’t hold any larger indoors.
Plus, he said the Muslim community in Guelph has grown tremendously in recent years, so they’ve quickly reached capacity in their space.
“We have a growing demand for additional space, educational programs and daycare,” he said.
They also plan to operate their own charitable support groups – collecting and distributing food donations, for instance.
Ultimately, he said, the centre is for the community, and so locals “should come forward and stand up with their community.”
