In “The Centre Closure” message last week (view here), Barb and I contemplated re-opening our Club, and targeted April 6th as the date. As the COVID-19 crisis has evolved over the last week or so, it is obvious that an April 6th reopening or even Easter are fond hopes. We will keep you posted, but we plan to re-open as soon as the Province gives us the go-ahead.
As most of you know, Barb and I are big supporters of our community and, in particular, our Community’s Wellness agenda. To date, we are invested in the Collingwood Hospital Foundation’s Wellness Innovation Fund (view here), the Living Better with Parkinson’s Program and in our Centre. By far, our investment in The Centre exceeds the others; starting, in 2001 helping to fund the building of the squash courts and most recently since October 2017 by stepping in to keep The Centre’s doors open. We felt strongly that The Centre (formerly TAG Fitness) belonged in our community – we see it as an important social hub that has a key role in enabling a fit and healthy community. We hope you feel the same. Thanks to a lot of hard work from our excellent team and support from our members and volunteers. The Centre has grown an identity; we’ve invested in facility improvements (change rooms/lockers, floors, paint!), we’ve invested in our staff and programs, and most importantly, we have grown our membership – now this!!
Barb and I are committed to continuing to support the Club and when safe for you our members and our staff, we will reopen. We are however kindly asking you for your continued support! We respectfully ask that those who are willing and able to help, to continue to remit your membership dues – at least until we all have a better idea of the duration of our closure and the extent to which we can further reduce our cost base. Like most small businesses we are facing a tough financial position; while the club is closed many operating costs continue (e.g. rent, insurance, utilities, retention of key staff, etc.). With this continued support you and your fellow members will help Barb and I to keep our commitment to reopen The Centre as soon as this crisis ends!
For those members who will stay with us – our deepest thanks to you. For those whose circumstances will not allow that support please contact Joe or Chris at info@collingwoodsquashandfitness.ca
Be well and stay well!
Larry and Barb