Fortis Donates $3.25 Million to First World War Commemoration

Today, Barry Perry, President and CEO of Fortis Inc. presented a cheque for $3.25 million to General Rick Hillier and Tom Foran, Co-Chairs of the Where Once They Stood We Stand Capital Campaign to support the commemoration of our province's contributions to the First World War. The contribution from Fortis is the largest known corporate donation ever made to a cultural institution in Atlantic Canada.

"The First World War has become a formative moment in the history of our province and who we are as Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. Through the efforts of those at The Rooms and the generosity of Fortis, we are all working together to recognize and pay tribute to the people, places and events that still make the First World War such a significant event in our province's history. These activities will ensure that we carry their legacy forward with honour and respect."
- The Honourable Darin King, Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development

The Fortis investment will enable the completion of The Royal Newfoundland Regiment Gallery and The Rooms Site which will include the Fortis Courtyard and Amphitheatre. Gracing the entrance to The Rooms, the Fortis Courtyard and Amphitheatre will offer a space for the public to contemplate the sacrifices of those who served in the First World War. The amphitheatre will be used as a venue for outdoor performances and programs.

"Fortis is pleased to support the First World War commemoration as a gift to the people of our province and future generations. We are proud to play a role in the creation of a permanent space to honour, remember, and preserve the stories of those who served overseas and on the home front."
- Barry Perry, President and CEO, Fortis Inc.

The Fortis Courtyard and Amphitheatre will be unveiled to the public in a ceremony on July 1, 2016.  Additional information on the Fortis Courtyard and Amphitheatre can be found in the backgrounder below.

"With its deep roots in Newfoundland and Labrador, Fortis is a most appropriate partner as we develop what is the largest First World War commemoration project in Canada.  As our Centennial Leader Corporate, Fortis is standing with us, where once our forefathers stood."
- Tom Foran, Chair of The Rooms Corporation and Capital Campaign Co-Chair

With their $3.25 million donation, Fortis becomes the lead corporate contributor to the Where Once They Stood We Stand Capital Campaign to commemorate the First World War and the Battle of Beaumont-Hamel. Both the First World War Exhibition and The Rooms Site Courtyard area will be dedicated by the Centennial Lead Donors on July 1, 2016 to all those who served overseas and on the home front– a perpetual monument to Newfoundland's contribution to the First World War.

QUICK FACTS

• Fortis has given The Rooms $3.25 million towards the creation of the Fortis Courtyard and Amphitheatre and the completion of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment Gallery.
• Fortis will name the site development the Fortis Courtyard and Amphitheatre. 
• The Courtyard and Amphitheatre will be unveiled in a ceremony on July 1, 2016.

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BACKGROUNDER

The Fortis donation will be used to complete: 

• A courtyard and amphitheatre on The Rooms grounds - former site of Fort Townshend - where the first Newfoundland Regiment was formed in 1797. The courtyard and amphitheatre will grace the entrance of The Rooms. An interpretive plaque in the courtyard will mark the former location of the first Newfoundland Regiment barracks.
• The 5,600 square foot Royal Newfoundland Regiment Gallery, which will house the exhibition The Battle of Beaumont-Hamel and the Trail of the Caribou: Newfoundlanders and Labradorians at War and at Home 1914-1949.