Topics: Current State of the Dharma Centre Renewal and Temple Project, Needs Assessment
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The DCC is improving its physical and virtual campus to make it more accessible and user friendly. We invite you to participate in making these ideas become a reality. More information can be found below by clicking the links for our main projects.
The Board and Renewal Committee are excited about progress on improvements and projects about to begin at the Dharma Centre. Recent newsletters, website & Facebook posts, and our visits confirm that a transformation is taking place. The Centre is thriving more than in many years. Retreats are well-attended, benefitting many people through the generosity, motivation, kindness and energy of teachers, staff and volunteers.
We are writing to invite you to join us in renewing our buildings and filling needs for new teaching and residence spaces. Last year we shared with you that we were moving forward on a “Three Pronged Approach” to improve our teaching spaces. We decided to get professional engineers to study the Temple and Tara cabin, build a teaching space at the Hermitage and then explore our further needs for a new teaching space. We are making progress on existing buildings and have architectural and engineering support for designs of new spaces. Accessibility will be central to plans for renovations and new construction. Here is an update on the projects.
The DCC received a generous bequest from the estate of Shelley Buttimor. Her mother, Monica Buttimor, is on a team of the Renewal Committee that includes three past DCC Presidents. They are planning renovation and a new expansion of Tara Cabin in Shelley’s honour to improve accommodations and provide new teaching space. A condition structural report for Tara made recommendations and an architect is working on plans. Your donations to building renewal will help manifest this.
Maria Burns engaged Mechanical & Structural Engineers for analysis of the condition and needs of the Temple. The reports make clear that the Temple is sound but needs major work in the basement, walls, siding and flashing to make the Temple a healthy, comfortable and beautiful Teaching place for all who participate. We seek to honour this already Sacred Space. Your donations to Temple Renewal will enable the improvements.
Robin Keogh, DCC President, oversaw major work at Hill House. Some walls were stripped to the studs and rebuilt and a metal roof was installed that will last for decades.
The bathroom is completely renovated and the kitchen will have new cabinets next month. A donation of good quality furniture has arrived. Hill House is much improved and now suitable as a Teacher’s residence.
Main House got a metal roof recently and this year, Robin arranged to fix major drainage problems by having the foundation professionally repaired and waterproofed.
Long time DCC participant Len Robson, donated a log cabin to be assembled near the Hermitage. It will provide a small teaching space in that quiet area for retreats away from activity at the front of the property. The site is good for accessibility. Your donations to building renewal now can help this happen.
There are over a thousand of us on the Dharma Centre participants list. Some are able to make large donations and when many of us also offer smaller donations, it makes a big difference. Together, donations add up quickly when many people join in. The Dharma Centre has been a hub of sharing Dharma for over 50 years. We invite you to consider the next 50 years as part of your legacy. Members of the Board and the Renewal Committee have already made generous donations to support this work to enable the progress so far.
Can you make a pledge of Temple Renewal and Building Renewal donations in three stages: a donation arriving by the end of November for current work, a donation in March to be ready for the construction season, and a donation at the end of May as next year’s construction season begins in earnest? Our combined energy is building the future capacity of the Centre to share the blessings and benefits of Dharma Teachings.
HOW TO MAKE A DONATION:
Make an e-transfer to adminoffice@dharmacentre.org (please specify in 'message', whether the donation is for Temple Renewal or Building Renewal.)
Call the Dharma Centre office at 1-866-266-0966 to make a credit card payment
A cheque payable to the Dharma Centre of Canada to 1267 Galway Road, Kinmount, ON, K0M2A0 with “Temple Renewal” or “Building Renewal” in the memo line.
Click the 'Donate' button on the Dharma Centre web site or on the Donate button below to donate via PayPal or credit card (PayPal fee is deducted from the donation) The web site gives donation options.
If you need information on making a bequest, on wire transfer options or other inquiries on how to donate please contact adminoffice@dharmacentre.org.
If you live in the US and wish your donation be tax deductible in the US, please contact us.
With gratitude in the Dharma
The members of the Dharma Centre Board and Renewal Committee
Topics: Current State of the Dharma Centre Renewal and Temple Project, Needs Assessment
Read More