The Yellowknife Historical Society is richer and not just from historical artifacts, after being chosen as this year’s recipient of more than $10,000 from 100 Men Who Give a Damn.
The donation was part of the group's’s yearly drive to give back to the community. The group, which Garrett Hinchey, co-founder and lead organizer stated has well more than 100 members, chooses one out of three nominated community causes to support every three months.
"We’ve been operating for 3 years essentially, our first meeting was in February 2016, stated Hinchey.
He added the group has held 12 meetings in those three years and he estimates the men who care will have donated close to $125,000 once the historical society receives its funds.
"We’ve given over $10,000 to 11 charities so far and the historical society will be the 12th," he said.
Ryan Silke, vice president of the Yellowknife Historical Society, said the historical society benefits from an active membership that has long-standing ties to the community and its history.
“When I learned that Tom Hall had nominated us for a chance to win, it was a real honor to go and make a case," said Silke in an interview. "It was luck of the draw ultimately! We were up against some worthy causes.”
He said the society is applying for government grants for major renovation work on things such as electrical and insulation that are projected to be completed next year.
“In the interim, there is finishing construction to do inside the building with new partition walls, and a loading bay deck,” said Silke. “The ($10,000) will be spent on lumber and volunteers will do the construction.
He added the society has long-term goals but those depend on the remediation of the townsite at Giant Mine and that will impact the overall plans the society has for the museum site, he said.
“We are still sorting out how remediation of the townsite area will impact our bigger plans. Right now, just focused on the museum building,” said Silke.
“This work is necessary before electrical and insulation so (it’s) a real priority if the project is to remain on schedule."
Silke said the organization’s membership is open to “all walks of life.” If you’re interested in being a part of the Yellowknife Historical Society go online to its website and check out the various ways to join or sponsor the society.