TIMMINS -- The pandemic put Centre Culturel La Ronde's original fundraising plans on hold — and officials decided it was time to host a safe event to celebrate French culture to raise money for its new building.

The event featured entertainment from local musicians and dancers, all organized with public health COVID-19 guidelines in mind.

"Even if we can't hug or we can't sit close to each other [...] during this time of year, it's so nice to be around French music and just enjoy our culture together," said La Ronde's executive director, Lisa Bertrand.

"We're just so happy to be together."

 

A COVID-safe cultural celebration

With a maximum of 100 guests, at least 80 attended the free event, plus around 25 staff and volunteers.

Attendees reserved their spot in groups, with distanced tables, arrows marking designated paths and a mandatory face covering policy.

Guests like Jean Carrier felt the organizers ran a tight ship to ensure people were safe during the event.

"They've done an excellent job at respecting the social distancing, respecting the COVID requirements," Carriere said.

"Being able to bring people together to celebrate our Francophone heritage is very important."

La Ronde
Musical performances from La Famille Pointe, Cindy Doire and Celeste Levis had the crowd in bright spirits, as did a performance from dancers at French dance program Dansons La Ronde. Dec. 6/20 (Sergio Arangio/CTV News Northern Ontario)

'It feels like we're back alive'

Musical performances from La Famille Pointe, Cindy Doire and Celeste Levis had the crowd in bright spirits, as did a performance from dancers at French dance program Dansons La Ronde.

For Sylvianne Gelinas, the gala offered a vibrant night and a sense of normalcy.

"I really like it, it feels like we're back alive," Gelinas said.

The event took place on the site of La Ronde's old cultural centre, which caught fire in late 2015.

The goal has been to raise $6.5 million to erect a new building in its place, of which the organization has raised $3.5 million so far.

 

Fundraising for a new building

Hoping to raise $500,000 from the public and acquire one more government grant, the new building's project manager, Ludger Cloutier, said it's been a long time coming.

The building's design and fundraising plan had been set before the pandemic hit, he said.

"We're ready, but the pandemic hit and we had to stop," Cloutier said.

Once all the funding is in place, he said construction will hopefully begin by May 2021 and be complete by February 2022.

"(The building will be) 13,000 square feet, one big hall for 300 members. We'll have one workshop, we'll have a small bar, a promenade. It's very well-designed."

 

'We're building it together'

Among the donations presented at the gala was a $1000 contribution from l'Alliance de la Francophonie de Timmins.

People attending were encouraged to donate what they could, with one option being to purchase a ribbon for a minimum of $50 to hang on a Christmas tree at the site.

No better place to begin the fundraising campaign for the new building for Bertrand.

"It's kind of symbolic," Bertrand said.

"We're on our old lot, there's nothing here and we're building it together."