Western Canada Theatre is once again counting on good old civic spirit to refurbish the Pavilion Theatre through the Aviva Community Fund.

Unlike last year, the Pavilion is the only local project in the running for up to $100,000 in funds from the insurance company’s national competition-based program.

“It’s solely a popularity contest,” said associate producer Heather Cant.

Last year, WCT backed out and asked residents to support the Kamloops United Church in its bid to upgrade a 50-year-old kitchen. The church’s volunteer-run People in Transition kitchen was awarded $80,000.

As of today, the public can lend its support through daily voting.

Cant said critical mass is the key to winning the funds, so people are asked to vote early and every day.
To do so is easy, she said.

* Go to avivacommunityfund.org/users/registration/login.

* Vote for the Pavilion Theatre idea: avivacommunityfund.org/ideas/acf13551

* Send this information to everyone you know and encourage them to do the same.

* Log on every day to vote. The first round runs for 15 days. Cant said WCT is also spreading the word via Facebook and email.

She said the Pavilion is in desperate need of new lighting, audio equipment and an upgraded heating and air condition system.