The Donalda Museum is back in fundraising mode.
While not the only project the Donalda Museum is working on, the primary target of its fundraising efforts is currently the Donalda Cooperative Creamery.
A provincial heritage site, the creamery was in operation in the community from 1924 until 1987 and “remained one of the last independent creameries in the province following the establishment of the Alberta Dairy Pool” according to museum manager and curator Zoe DeCnodder.
DeCnodder noted the creamery won many Canadian awards and received many updates over the years, allowing it to be seen as “an impressive example of the evolution of the dairy industry in Alberta.”
Thanks to fundraising done to date, repairs have been completed on the siding of the aging structure. In 2024, the hope is to conclude restoration efforts with the replacement of the roof, windows and doors.
With the exterior done, the fundraising will then proceed to internally needed restorations.
Fundraising is being done in a variety of ways, including through suppers being held at the drop-in centre.
The museum hosted a beef supper at the end of August, serving 47 people and raising $850 which is going directly to the creamery restoration.
DeCnodder noted that while the attendance was lower than normal, many of the regular attendees were busy with harvest.
As an added perk for those in attendance, the museum also debuted the reprint of Donalda’s history book, Donalda’s Roots and Branches.
The book is available through the museum.
Those not wanting to cook should mark their calendars for Sept. 28, when the museum will be hosting a turkey dinner, with proceeds going towards the restoration.
