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Foundation

The Mary Winspear Centre Foundation, formerly known as the SANSCHA Community Cultural Centre Foundation (SCCCF), was established in 1996 by the Sidney and North Saanich Memorial Park Society.

Its primary goal was to raise funds to revitalize and expand the aging SANSCHA Hall, ultimately leading to the creation of a modern new facility. In pursuit of this vision, a $6 million capital fundraising campaign titled Honouring the Past – Building for the Future was launched in the spring of 1999.

The result of these efforts was the transformation of SANSCHA Hall into the Mary Winspear Centre, a state-of-the-art cultural and community facility that opened its doors in September 2001. The campaign’s theme emphasized the importance of preserving the memorial legacy of the land and honoring the vision and generosity of community members who, in 1921, established the SANSCHA lands and, later in 1958, built the original SANSCHA Community Hall. This legacy serves as the roots for a vibrant cultural centre designed to grow and evolve with the community for generations to come.

Looking ahead, the Mary Winspear Centre Foundation remains committed to ensuring the long-term vitality of the facility. As the Mary Winspear Centre approaches its 25th anniversary, the Foundation is focused on raising funds to support essential capital improvements required to maintain and upgrade the aging building. These future initiatives aim to preserve the integrity and functionality of the Centre, ensuring it continues to serve as a welcoming, modern, and accessible space for arts, culture, and community events.