By Rosalind Russell – An anonymous donor has made a $750,000 donation in memory of the late Joanne Smith who was a champion for saving the Mindemoya Old School on Manitoulin Island.
Jan McQuay, the president of the Friends of the Mindemoya Old School says the century-old building will be brought back to life thanks to the donation made in tribute to Smith, a long-time teacher and active community member.
She says Smith began her teaching career at Central Manitoulin High School back in 1967, directed plays, was musically inclined and also ran a local women’s clothing store handmaking their own clothing.
McQuay adds the donation will go towards the renovations needed to once again occupy the building including an Older Adult Connection Centre and a hub for artists in Mindemoya.
She says they having been working with Belanger Salach (SAW-lash) in Sudbury, so the work will begin soon.
She says the Friends also have a partnership with the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario and the support of the Ontario Historical Society.
McQuay extends a thank you to the benefactor for helping Smith’s dream, come true.
The work begins this Spring.
Photos of the late Joanne Smith provided by the friends of the Mindemoya Old School and used with permissions.
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