Community of Rolla receives support from Rooted in the Prairies Project to help upgrade local community hall

Posted by CANTERRA SEEDS on February 15^th, 2023

Categories:: News; Rooted in the Prairies

Pictured: Schyler & Celina Raaen of S&S Farms, and Amy Bean and Candace Reinbold, Peace Country Territory Managers for CANTERRA SEEDS

Located just 15 km from Dawson Creek, British Columbia is the town of Rolla. Home to just over 100 people and one Rolla Community Hall, which has been housing the memories of Rolla locals for generations.

Schyler and Celina Raaen of S&S Farms say Rolla Hall has served as the community hub for its residents and surrounding areas since its construction in the 1970’s: providing a space for community dinners, dances, weddings, celebrations of life and volunteer initiatives.

“When we were looking into [Rooted in the Prairies Project] nominations, the Rolla Hall stuck out as a must. It continually opens its doors to the community, and we wanted to give back to it,” says Raaen.

One important initiative in the Peace River area is a rural program that distributes meals to seniors who are still residing in their homes, helping them stay there longer. It’s initiatives like this, along with the many events hosted in hall, that bring the community together. As the hall is over 50 years old, it’s important to upkeep so it can remain open for years to come.

“The $1,500 donated by CANTERRA SEEDS will help with the annual costs of operating the facility as well as numerous capital projects,” says Raaen.

Some future hall projects desired by the community include the installation of a new playground, facility upgrades to ensure ease of access like wheelchair ramps and wider bathrooms, and an upgrade to the upper foyer to create a space that can accommodate larger groups and more events.

“Family and friendships can extend throughout when it is a small community, with a lot of good-hearted people,” says Raaen, who is looking forward to building more memories at Rolla Hall.

CANTERRA SEEDS’ Rooted in the Prairies Project supports local non-profit organizations nominated by the agriculture community across Western Canada. Now in its second year, the project has more than doubled its investment with seventeen worthy causes across the Prairies selected for assistance this year.

All winners from the Rooted in the Prairies Project will be featured in coming weeks on the CANTERRA SEEDS Behind the Seeds Blog, learn more about the Rooted in the Prairies Project here.