Celtic Heritage Society Of Canada

Green Light Given to Enter Into Discussions

By CATHOLINE BUTLER

BURNABY - On May 31, members of the Heritage Society of Canada attended an urgent public meeting to discuss a new and exciting development regarding the construction of a Celtic Cultural Centre in Burnaby. The meeting was called to discuss a new proposal put forward by a local developer which could see the project could break ground within six months.

A STRONG MAJORITY supported a motion put forward by the Executive of the Celtic Heritage Society to explore a proposal put forward by a local developer to begin construction on a Celtic Cultural Centre in the near future.

As many readers will know, Malachy Mahon, President of the Celtic Heritage Society, has been the driving force for the past two years to see a world-class Celtic Cultural Centre built in Burnaby. He has poured all his energies into this project and he wanted to gauge the level of support within the Celtic community for building such a centre.

Approximately 100 people turned up to hear the details and following the presentation, chaired by Neville Thomas, there was a question and answer period. Then members were asked whether they wished the Executive of Celtic Heritage Society to pursue further discussions with the developer.

The answer was affirmative and the motion was passed by a strong majority. It was agreed to proceed with meeting the developer to explore the proposal and no doubt further details of what transpires at these meetings will be made public to members and supporters over the next few weeks.

Malachy said, “Throughout the past two years, this society has operated with a handful of dedicated individuals. Major work has been done, the Society has been through its highs and lows, but through all that it has been brought to a high level of awareness.

“But, if we are to build this centre, it will take more than a handful of people. It will take the entire community to rally behind us and give us the financial and human resources needed to forge ahead. If a number of people were willing to volunteer just two hours of their time every month, it would help tremendously to lesson the workload in the office. As they say, many hands make work light.”

The Executive is hoping to find keen individuals who are willing to work towards the goals of the Society and be integral players in the establishment of this proposed Celtic Cultural Centre. The Centre would also be a community centre for the residents of Burnaby and volunteers from that area are very welcome.

Some of the skills required are as follows: sound knowledge of Microsoft Word Processing (Excel an asset but not required.); telephone and reception; database upkeep (familiarity with ACT would be an asset, but not required); internet research; filing and archiving of news articles; bookkeeping skills; general office skills.

Volunteer assistance is needed on a part-time basis with hours as regular as possible, however days and hours would be as flexible as necessary. The Society is also in need of a secretary to assist President Malachy Mahon in the day-to-day operations of the Society.

For more information, please call the Society’s office at (604) 299-2019, or e-mail info@celticheritage.org, attention Sharon, or drop by the office at 3847 Hastings Street in Burnaby.

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