Senior Citizens’ Club members Rose Williamson, Linda Leconte, Leeanne Fullard and Julie Mann.
Photo by
Lua Ikenasio
The Rochester Senior Citizens' Club recently received a $100,000 donation from Agnico Eagle to help rebuild its op shop.
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The op shop was damaged beyond repair during the 2022 floods, forcing the club to relocate to the former Saputo milk factory and then, eventually, to its club rooms.
With the project estimated to cost around $800,000, the $100,000 boost brings the club's funding goal halfway.
Rose Williamson, Julie Mann, Leeanne Fullard and Linda Leconte are helping to run the op shop out of the Senior Citizens’ Club rooms.
Photo by
Lua Ikenasio
Rochester Senior Citizens’ Club president Leeanne Fullard said the club was grateful for the donation.
“We cannot thank Fosterville Gold Mine enough for their support,” she said.
“This donation means more than bricks and mortar — it represents hope, community spirit and a renewed future for our seniors and our town.”
The new op shop will be located at the site of the original store on Moore St.
Once the demolition order has been processed, the old building will be knocked down to make way for the new build.
However, a timeline for the new shop’s construction is yet to be confirmed, as the club needs another $400,000 to complete the project.
Meanwhile, the group is working with the building resilience committee to design a new purpose-built space that will be above the flood level, disability friendly and ‘climate resilient’.
The design for the future Rochester Senior Citizens’ Club op shop on Moore St.
Photo by
Lua Ikenasio
Ms Fullard said she hoped the recent donation would encourage others to support the project.
“We’re very thankful, and we hope that it may prompt others to be generous too. We'll do our best and do our fundraising too,” she said.
The club’s next fundraiser will be held on Saturday, February 21 at the Rochester Hotel at noon.
The community is invited to come along for a barbecue, some snacks and a few drinks.
Entry to the event will be $10 per person, with all proceeds to go towards the op shop rebuild.
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