THUNDER BAY — Members of a Thunder Bay congregation no longer have to dodge buckets placed in their church to catch drops of water falling from the ceiling during a rainstorm.
The St. Agnes parish on Brown Street in Westfort overcame the challenges of COVID-19 to raise more than $200,000 to replace the 34-year-old roof.
The campaign began in December 2019 and was concluded in December 2020, when it topped out at almost $210,000.
Father James Panikulam, the pastor at St. Agnes, had chosen seven parishioners to lead the campaign.
In a news release, the church says a schedule of fundraising events was launched in January 2020 with the intention of holding activities throughout the remainder of the year.
However, COVID-19 arrived on the scene shortly after, forcing churches to close their doors, shutting down businesses, eliminating large gatherings, and putting people out of work.
The campaign committee was forced to suspend its meetings for three months.
But it didn't stop people from donating.
Money trickled in, and by the time the church reopened in June, half the goal had already been reached.
The church statement describes the support from parishioners and local businesses heartwarming and surprising.
"There came a resurgence of energy to push ahead toward the goal, with innovative fundraising ideas," including an online auction and a 50/50 cash draw..
Even the children got into the act with a chocolate bar drive.
Meantime, over the summer the new roof took shape and was eventually completed under budget.
