Harmony Centre celebrated a major milestone at its Annual General Meeting held on September 9. Board Chair Jeff Elie announced that the charitable organization had exceeded 1,500 bookings in its fiscal year ending March 31 – breaking previous records.
“This is an incredible achievement,” Elie said in his report to the board. “It speaks to the resilience of our organization and the efforts of all the people who make Harmony Centre work.”
According to Elie, more than $17,000 was granted in rent subsidies to not-for-profit users during this period of growth, fulfilling Harmony Centre’s mandate to provide affordable short- and long-term rental spaces to community groups.
Elie also highlighted several solutions-based and community-oriented events produced recently by Harmony Centre, including this year’s flagship Small Communities Solutions Conference, which drew speakers and attendees from across the country, and its popular ChangeMaker Pub Nights, which showcase local groups and organizations.
One of the community events that is pleased to be part of the Harmony Centre bookings is the Southampton Concert Band that features renowned local pianist Adrian Little performing Gershwin’s famous Rhapsody in Blue.
“These events not only highlight the capabilities of Harmony Centre, they also strengthen our bonds with community members, partners, and sponsors,” Elie says.
The report noted how February’s installation of new stackable chairs in Greaves Auditorium has expanded the functionality of this impressive venue. The space is already being used for in-the-round assemblies, facilitated discussions, and workshop-style events – this summer a full-sized trapeze was installed there for the circus camp, and even more innovative uses are in the planning stages.
Harmony Centre’s annual strategic planning meetings have proven useful for consolidating a shared vision of the organization’s direction. According to Elie, planning workshops have guided the organization to focus on more home-grown events that position Harmony Centre as a leading supporter of local positive change. “This is a strategic goal that we have embraced as an organization,” he says.
“Harmony Centre remains steadfast in its goals – to ignite creativity, foster connections, and nurture growth. As we move forward, we do so with pride, optimism, and a sense of purpose,” Elie concluded.
Harmony Centre is currently looking for volunteers to help manage its social media sites and its WordPress-based website. Email info@harmonycentre.ca for more information.
