A Question Unanswered

On March 24th 2008 an event was held at the Canadian Legion.

It was a repeat of previously successful fund-raisers for the July 1st Parades.

I believe $11,000 and more, had been raised annually. It was familiar. The community was acquainted with it's purpose.

The Town's July 1st celebration had been re-started in 1969 . From the beginning, proceeds from various events held during the day throughout the town went into a common fund to pay for the festivities and provide seed money for the next year.

July !st festivities were never financed from taxation.

One of the features at the Legion event was a silent auction. Items are solicited within the community.

Naturally those who donate to the auction are interested to learn of it's success.

Success is measured by funds realised.

Weeks went by, no information was forthcoming. Questions started to be asked and eventually appeared on the Aurora Citizen Blog.

Had anybody heard?

As a Councillor, it is my obligation to provide answers if a matter is within the purview of the municipality. I felt a scandal was brewing.

The July 1st Parade had been organised by a sub-committee of the Town's Leisure Services Advisory Committee. There were records. A report stated proceeds from the event had covered cost.

There was no account for the March 24th 2008 event at the Aurora Legion, where a silent auction was held of items solicited within the community for the purpose of raising funds to pay for the town's July 1sy Parade.

I learned from a committee member, food had to be paid for, bands were paid for and the room at the Legion was paid for. Money raised by the event paid the costs of the event.

Precise figures were not offered.

It is hardly surprising, people who generously contributed to a silent auction to provide funds for a community event, would expect to be informed their donations accomplished their stated intention.

It's hardly likely they donated to provide for nothing more than a wing-ding at the Aurora Legion in March for a group to get into the mood fora second party on July 1st.

It is distinctly likely, since the event was organized by a group under the auspices of the Town of Aurora. they were assured their donations would in fact be used for the purpose intended.

And yet. almost three years later, they have received no such assurance from the Town of Aurora.

No figures have been provided.

The question is still outstanding.