The City of Selkirk’s sponsorship program for The Garry Theatre hit the ground running today with an announcement that the Rotary Club of Selkirk has committed $87,500 over five years for the stage naming rights.
“It’s a very big day here in Selkirk, for the city, for the citizens and for the Garry Theatre’s reopening and I’m so happy that the Rotary Club of Selkirk is kicking off this sponsorship campaign with an incredible donation,” Mayor Larry Johannson said.
Rotary steps up for the community
“The Rotary Club knows The Garry Theatre is important to this community, to the people who make our city the great city that it is. Their financial commitment to this rebuilding of Selkirk’s beloved, historic downtown theatre is crucial to The Garry’s ongoing success, and we thank them.”
The Rotary Club’s sponsorship will provide $17,500 a year for five years. Rotary’s David Thorne said the club’s membership, who hail from not just Selkirk but the RMs of St. Andrews and St. Clements as well, were overwhelmingly in support of sponsoring The Garry.
“The Rotary Club knows The Garry Theatre is important to this community, to the people who make our city the great city that it is.”
Mayor Larry Johannson
“Going back, the community made it abundantly clear that The Garry was a priority and our Rotary Club wanted to make sure that that goal of bringing back The Garry Theatre was achieved,” Thorne said.
77 years of memories
“It’s been a part of our community for 77 years and is more than just a building. It’s a place where people can share and interact and have different experiences with others from their community. Many people still to this day can tell you about the first movie they saw at The Garry.”
Rotary President Lesli Malegus is one of those who has fond memories of being a young girl going to the movies at The Garry.
“I remember the first movie that I got to go to alone, without parental controls,” Malegus said.
“It was The Sound of Music, and I went with some girlfriends and we left after the wedding because we thought it was over, and it wasn’t till about five years later and I watched it again and realized I missed half the movie.”
A community gathering place
Thorne said the importance of a movie theatre in Selkirk can’t be understated. It will provide that person-to-person social connection that is often missing in today’s society.
“It’s more than just streaming something on a phone, an iPad or even TV. It’s bringing the community together and we feel The Garry will be so much more than just a theatre. There will be live music performances, blockbuster movies, with a giant screen and just the smell of popcorn in the air that you can’t get at home,” Thorne said.
“It’s a place where people will go and enjoy themselves while getting out of the house and away from their phones.”
Your chance to help bring back the Garry
Kyla Ray, the City’s Manager of Cultural and Recreational Programs, says there are plenty of opportunities for sponsorship of The Garry Theatre. There are two sponsorship programs – Naming Rights and Season Sponsors.
“The sponsorship program is crucial to the success of The Garry Theatre,” Ray said.
“We’re very happy that the Rotary Club of Selkirk has taken a lead role and invested in the theatre that is so important to our community and we’ve got opportunities for others to play a role in the reopening of the historic Garry.”
“The sponsorship program is crucial to the success of The Garry Theatre.”
Kyla Ray, Manager of Cultural and Recreational Programs
The city’s Naming Rights program offers businesses, organizations, and individuals the opportunity to have key spaces within the theatre, such as the main auditorium, concessions or special facilities, carry their name.
By participating, you not only gain prominent recognition on-site and, in the theatre’s, promotional materials but also show your support for the arts and the cultural life of Selkirk. This is a unique way to leave a legacy, celebrate your connection to the community, and be remembered for years to come.
Opportunities to sponsor and support
Still available under the Naming Rights program are:
- Auditorium
- Concession
- Accessibility
- Light and Sound
All naming rights sponsors will be recognized permanently on the Founder Wall inside the theatre and on the contributor wall in the lobby and online. Sponsors will also be invited to the opening night at The Garry Theatre.
Season Sponsorship is a tiered sponsorship program that offers a range of opportunities for businesses and individuals to support the restoration of this historic venue. Whether you’re looking for high-visibility brand placement or a meaningful way to give back, each tier provides unique benefits and lasting recognition. Custom packages are also available.
Season sponsors will be permanently recognized on the Founders Wall and the Contributor Wall. For more information on how you can become a sponsor of The Garry Theatre, visit GarryTheatre.ca/Support.