$57K raised during VISAR’s Winter Wonderland Christmas event
The Virgin Islands Search & Rescue’s (VISAR) Winter Wonderland hosted by the Cyril B Romney Tortola Pier Park managed to raise an estimated $57,000 during the fundraising initiative.
This was revealed during a recent interview with VISAR’s Executive Creative Director, Julie Schneider who told BVI News that the success of the event saw a huge turnout from residents across the territory.
“We want to thank the 3,000-plus skaters, 1,500 plus village visitors, 25 sponsors, 38 student volunteers and 15 staff members that all helped us raise $57,000 from our Winter Wonderland fundraiser. Whilst the rink required a sizable investment to bring to fruition, we are financially on track and very happy with our first year’s return on investment,” Schneider said.
“We hope that 2021’s Winter Wonderland will see even more skaters and visitors as the rink becomes a much-anticipated holiday event in the BVI,” she added.
Makes up for half the operation budget
Schneider also said that due to financial difficulties experienced by VISAR as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the monies raised will be used towards keeping the operations of the organisation going.
“VISAR’s income comes from donations, fundraisers, grants and donations from the charter industry which donates $2 per person per charter. This programme makes up half of our operating budget and due to COVID-19 and travel restrictions, the charter industry donations have dropped dramatically. These funds made from Winter Wonderland will go directly to ensuring we can keep our doors open,” she explained.
Hoping for summer return
The Executive Creative Director further hinted at the possibility of the ice-skating rink returning to the territory during the summer, and other new features that will accompany the event once it returns.
She said: “There has been interest in bringing it back during the summer but as of now, this has just been in conversation. We will be debriefing the event over the next few weeks and will be discussing new features for next year such as skating lessons, intro to ice hockey for kids and adults, 18-and-over skate night, and much more.”
Copyright 2024 BVI News, Media Expressions Limited. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed.
Typical Black people practice world wide.
No surprise there. They support every other nationality and business, especially those who spew hatred at them daily, but never their own.
What a hopeles people.
VISAR does important work and search for all people when lost on sea.
What are you talking about?
Typical Sour Puss.
Is it willful ignorance or just plain stupidity with you?
I don’t understand you comment. This is a local non profit charity saving lives at sea. Been working hard at this for over 30 years and respond 24/7 365 days a year.
Its a voluntary organization who has to fundraise to meet the costs of the equipment and couple of employees.
They work extremely had training weekly and have some major fundraisers throughout the year.
This event also attracted sponsors who paid for the children to come to the Rink, Also one minister sponsored their district kids to come and skate.
This event could not have been more multicultural and the community came and supported VISAR and also had a festive holiday season and they also celebrated multiple religion events during the month they are open.
I think you need to get out and about more and see what’s really going on and not just positing your nonsense.
I look forward to this event next year and I would encourage you explore the good work this charity is doing.
Just ignore words of no substance. Visar thank you and I pray you tripple your takings next time the rink open.