Soo Locks Children's Museum raising funds for final renovations
SAULT STE. MARIE — Soo Lock Children's Museum is hosting a burger bash fundraiser this week to help finish renovations for the museum.
Since 2016, the museum has been collecting donations, building and renovating to prepare for opening its doors to the world. The museum was created as a way to educate kids about the Soo Locks, their history, how they work and much more.
Over the years, the museum has gained support from groups all over Sault Ste. Marie including Central Savings Bank, the Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce, Old Mission Bank, Soo Co-op Credit Union and many local businesses.
With local support and grants, the museum has been able to complete most of its renovations, the interior of the building is ready, the building next door has been added to the museum as well. Before they can open though, the museum first needs support in finishing the exhibits, and the community is willing to help with that, too.
"Fundraisers like this can absolutely have an effect on when we can open," said Raquel Fernandez-Earns, president of the children's museum. "I'm glad that we can kind of open our doors for the community already with events like this."
At 4 p.m. Dec. 9, the museum will be hosting its own Christmas themed burger bash fundraiser at Soo Elks Lodge. For an $8 ticket, attendees can take part in the Christmas themed fundraiser, which includes food donated by local groups such as Gordons Food Services.
The fundraiser, just like the museum, is organized for kids to have a fun and educational experience, and part of that experience will be the chance to meet Santa Claus. Attendees can also take part in a 50/50 raffle, giving them a one half chance to win some money at the event.
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The Soo Theatre Orchestra will also be supporting the museum with performances throughout the event by the various instrument groups of the orchestra.
With this fundraiser, the museum hopes to have collected the funds necessary to finish the renovations needed for a soft opening early next year.
When the museum is finished it will be two connected buildings filled with dozens of different exhibits teaching kids about the science and history of the Soo Locks.
The museum is nearing the end of its construction after many years, and being supported almost entirely by the community itself.
"We're just so proud of this community because they just give and give and give and it's beautiful," said Fernandez-Earns. "We want to try to give back whatever we have to offer in the meantime before we open."
Contact Brendan Wiesner: BWiesner@Sooeveningnews.com
This article originally appeared on The Sault News: Burger bash to raise money to finish museum renovations.
