Ismail Family Donates $50,000 to New Leisure Centre in Prince Albert

A significant donation from the Ismail family is set to enhance the new Lake Country Co-op Leisure Centre in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. The family presented a cheque for $50,000 to support the Aquatic Changeroom Entrance, contributing to the ongoing Play It Forward fundraising campaign. This initiative aims to build a facility that will benefit future generations in the community.

During the presentation, Dawn Kilmer, Ward 7 Councillor, expressed gratitude for the Ismail family’s commitment. She emphasized that their contribution illustrates a long-standing tradition of community investment in Prince Albert. “The leisure centre is an amazing addition to our city, and the donations that are coming in from families like the Ismail family are helping us meet our fundraising goal,” Kilmer stated.

The Aquatic Changeroom Entrance is just one aspect of the larger aquatic space, but Kilmer stressed that the donation signifies much more than a financial commitment. The Play It Forward campaign encourages local residents to participate in the creation of a facility that will serve children, grandchildren, and beyond. “This is a 50-year and more building, and Prince Albert has not had the luxury of having an indoor pool that they owned,” she noted.

Kilmer highlighted the importance of such investments. She remarked that contributions from local families help the city grow, and she urged other residents and businesses to consider supporting the campaign. The initiative includes a $1,000 option called “Save a Seat,” allowing individuals and families to actively participate in the fundraising effort.

The Ismail family has deep roots in Prince Albert, with Sam Ismail, owner of the Twilight Motel, detailing their long-standing commitment to the community. “We have been in Prince Albert since 1979, so for more than 45 years we have a lot of commitment to the city,” he explained. The family sees supporting the new leisure centre as a natural extension of their dedication to the community.

Ismail described the Play It Forward campaign as a milestone opportunity to contribute to a facility that will have a lasting impact. He believes that the leisure centre is an essential addition not only for Prince Albert but also for the wider region of northern Saskatchewan. “The whole facility is a world-class facility. Prince Albert has not had anything like this built in decades, and it is very much needed,” he said.

Contributing to the community is a responsibility that Ismail and his family take seriously. “We are a local family and local business, so we have to support our local community. It is very important to give back to the community that supports us,” he emphasized. He hopes that their donation will inspire others to contribute to the campaign and take pride in their city.

Kilmer concluded by reiterating the importance of such contributions to the character of Prince Albert. “Every time I get the privilege of meeting people who I have known most of their lives contribute in the ways that they have, it makes my heart sing,” she said. “That is who Prince Albert is. We look after each other, and we are growing.”

The Ismail family’s donation not only supports the immediate needs of the leisure centre but also reflects a broader commitment to fostering community spirit and development in Prince Albert.