Canadian Museum for Human Rights exceeds capital fundraising goal

The Canadian Museum for Human Rights says it has surpassed its capital fundraising goal thanks to several million-dollar donations.

The Friends of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights announced Monday that it has raised a total of $151.5 million for the Winnipeg-based museum.

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Donations of $1.5 million each from The Calgary Foundation and The Paul Albrechtsen Foundation, along with a $1-million gift from the Labourers' International Union of North America, pushed the group's fundraising efforts past its goal of $151 million.

"Yes, ladies and gentlemen, we did it! " Gail Asper, the group's national campaign chairperson, exclaimed as supporters applauded at a news conference in Winnipeg.

"Thanks to our gifts today, we have exceeded our ridiculous campaign total."

Asper said the fundraising goal was met because many Canadians believe in the museum. Every donation counted toward making the museum a reality, she added.

"We had to reach for the stars; we couldn't settle for mediocrity," she said.

"Those alabaster ramps are thanks to you. And I know everybody here, wherever you are, has made a donation and every donation really inspired us."

The capital campaign started in 2003. The museum officially opened in September.