The Rooms receives $350K donation for volunteer program

The Rooms received a significant donation toward a new volunteer program on Wednesday as part of the "Where Once They Stood We Stand" Beaumont Hamel anniversary campaign.

• CIBC donates $100K to The Rooms Where Once They Stood We Stand campaign

Scotiabank made the donation of $350,000 to launch The Rooms Volunteer Program and the first event involving the program will be the commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the First World War, which will be the largest event of its kind in Canada.

"The Rooms would not be able to deliver the excellent programs that we are known for without the help of a very dedicated team of volunteers. To be able to expand our volunteer program with the help from Scotiabank is a vision realised," said Tom Foran, chair of The Rooms Corporation.

"It allows us to augment a robust schedule of relevant activities and events that engage our visitors sustaining our very important place with the people of this province," said Foran.

Ken Birmingham, district vice president for Newfoundland southeast and Labrador at Scotiabank, said the bank was happy to help out with marking the anniversary of such an important event in the province's history.

"We are pleased to be able to support the efforts of The Rooms and its volunteer program as they prepare to commemorate this very significant moment in Newfoundland and Labrador's history, the Battle of Beaumont Hamel and the First World War," he said.

"We know the importance of volunteers in telling these important stories from our past and hope the community takes part in this program for years to come," said Birmingham.

The Rooms is inviting the public to attend the July 1 event to pay tribute to those who sacrificed and served at Beaumont Hamel.

Full details and recruitment information for The Rooms Volunteer Program will be announced this fall.