THUNDER BAY – Patrick Cross says unless the Moose Hall can raise about $2,500 a month until COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, the 70-year-old institution may not survive the pandemic.
Cross, the administrator at the Fort William Road lodge, said the hall has been closed since March and with little to no income coming in for most of that time, they’ve quickly run through what little money they had banked.
Because the organization is 100 per cent volunteer driven, Cross said they haven’t qualified for any government funding, but still have to find the money to keep the utilities on.
To counter the expenses, the hall has started a $10,000 Go Fund Me. Created two days ago, it’s collected $700 as of Thursday morning.
“Right now we’ve been shut down since mid-March, like everyone else has. We had a small bank account to hopefully get us through it all. But as we all know, it’s been going on and on and on and it’s currently expected to be extended for another month,” Cross said.
He added he’s done everything in his power to reduce the ongoing costs, but can’t cut it any further.
“If we’re going to reopen, we’re going to need some help from the city and the giant hearts that we’re known to be and hopefully we can get some of that and be viable when the time comes to reopen,” Cross aid.
It would be a shame to see it closed for good.
The hall is a favourite spot for banquets and shags, which are not allowed with bars and restaurants allowed take-out service only and gatherings limited to no more than five people at a time.
“I’m either looking for people to become members or to make donations to the cause. We’ve been here for 70 years now and in that time we’ve supported our community. We look after children and seniors as best as we can as well,” Cross said.
“If we’re going to continue that work for another 70 years, we have to try to make sure we’re here when we try to reopen.”
It’s pretty dire he added.
“We’re at the end of our bank account and that’s why I’ve tried the Go Fund Me. We have no other way of raising money right now. Everything’s going out and nothing’s coming in.”
A recent curbside pick-up spaghetti dinner served up 300 orders, which was promising, Cross said. The hall is planning a barbecue rib dinner pick-up on June 21. Pre-orders must be made by June 15, or until they’ve reached their 300-meal limit.
Phone 474-7752 or 627-8266 to place an order.
Cross said he's also concerned how the lodge might be affected by restrictions on gathering when they eventually are allowed to reopen, which could also hurt their revenue stream.
