FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -  NOVEMBER 17TH

 

The Guelph Tool Library announced Friday, November 13th that they are launching a month-long crowdfunding campaign and membership drive. The organization recently opened in a new home in Old Quebec St Shoppes after a 6 month closure due to the ongoing pandemic. Changes in school board policies caused them to lose access to their former home in Tytler Public School. 

The campaign, hosted by the platform Indiegogo, will offer discounted memberships, gift sets, and sponsorship options to backers. In the first few days of the campaign, the GTL has reached 20% of their $8000 fundraising goal. 

The campaign comes along with the recent announcement that the Guelph Tool Library is raising the base price for a membership for the first time in 4 years. As of Monday, November 16th, memberships purchased online and in person have increased to $60 for the year. 

Program coordinator Stephanie Clarke says of the jump in price, "We had always planned this price increase for 2020, but 2020 had other plans for us. We deferred the increase until a couple of months after reopening to give new members a chance to join at the original price. Members who lost time over the closure were given a two month extension. "

Clarke, who is also monitoring the campaign and following up with supporters, says, "Our most popular perk is called 'Lend a Wing', for $75 the purchaser gets a membership and a second membership is donated to a community member who is facing financial barriers. It's something that helps us allow everyone to access this resource without putting financial strain on our organization. We also have sets that make great gifts, and include reusable beeswax wraps or GTL t-shirts that we make in-house using upcycled and locally sourced materials."

Tool fixing volunteer and GTL Chair John Dennis states that one of their highest ongoing costs is tool maintenance and acquisition. A group of volunteers meets weekly to tune up their fleet of tools.

Dennis states "A number of our specialty tools needed substantial repairs this year, including the rototiller, cider press, and cotton candy machine."

To help upgrade their fleet of tools, the campaign is offering a perk called 'The Big Ticket', which will fund the purchase of an in-demand item that will bear the name of the donor. Other sponsorship options will support workshops and programs at the GTL. 

The campaign ends on Sunday, December 13th. Visit Indiegogo or check out their website at www.guelphtoollibrary.org/blog and follow them on social media for more information. 

For those interested in the Guelph Tool Library, their complete inventory can be viewed online, along with their updated borrowing policies, which have moved to a reservation-only system as opposed to in-person browsing. 

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