Campaign to save Moncton's Assomption Cathedral hits $5M

People working to save the Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption Cathedral have reached a major milestone in their fundraising campaign, having just passed $5-million. 

• Moncton cathedral fundraising campaign launched
• Historic Moncton cathedral saved from wrecking ball

The campaign was launched just seven months ago, with a goal of reaching $7-million to save the landmark building and pay for much-needed repairs to the roof, windows, stone, mortar and foundation. 

Information Morning - Moncton7:21Saving the Cathedral

Moncton's Assumption Cathedral is in need of millions of dollars worth of repairs. Marie-Linda Lord is the fundraising campaign chair and she shares her delight at passing the five million dollar mark.

Speaking to Information Morning Moncton, campaign chair Marie-Linda Lord said hitting the $5-million mark, "felt good —  It felt very good."

It's a jewel.- Marie-Linda Lord, fundraising chair

Lord says the historic church, which celebrates it's 75th anniversary this year, links the past with the future.

"It marked a milestone of the Acadian presence in the heart of Moncton, but it's the cathedral of everybody. It's been standing there as a beacon of hope and resilience for everybody living in Moncton."

Lord says donations have come in from the corporate sector, but have also poured in from individuals, not only in New Brunswick was also from Quebec, Ontario and even Louisiana.

She's confident the fundraising goal is within reach, but doesn't want to become complacent.

"We are still $2-million short of our objective… so one has to understand that a campaign like this is like a marathon, it is not a sprint."

Lord says the building's needs are dire. She said during a recent bout of heavy rain, the cathedral's pipe organ had to be covered with tarps to protect it from the leaky roof.

The organ sustained no damage and will be heard in all its glory on Saturday, Nov. 21 at special concert celebrating the 75th anniversary of the church's official inauguration. Lord says the concert is free and is a chance for members of the public to see the beauty of this heritage site.

"It's a jewel," she said.