Club wants more money for 2014 Christmas light display

KELOWNA – If the Capri Rotary Club wants to do another Kerry Park light display this Christmas, they will likely have to do it with the same amount of money as last year.

Capri Rotary has requested a $5,000 increase to their budget this year, but city staff are expected to recommend against the increase.

Last year the Christmas display was donated by a West Kelowna resident and set up at Kerry Park to raise money for future Capri Rotary projects.  Councillors at the time approved a one-time sum of up to $15,000 to help pay for electrical upgrades, but the display ultimately cost only $9,000. On Monday, councillors will hear a request for the maximum budget to be increased to $20,000.

Capri Rotary member Lockie Bracken says they don't expect to need all $20,000, but say it is possible.

"We're just asking them to pay the costs whatever it will be," he says. "Whatever funds we can raise we will put back into the community."

They are also asking for a dedicated city employee to help monitor the display in addition to the larger budget.

Last year the display raised $2,150 in on-site donations, falling short of their goal of $3,000.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Adam Proskiw at aproskiw@infotelnews.ca or call 250-718-0428. To contact the editor, email mjones@infotelnews.ca or call 250-718-2724.