As council debates the future of the Dionne home this month, efforts have started to raise money to save the historic structure from moving out of the city.
The Friends of the Dionne Quintuplet Home Museum have launched a new website at www.quintsmuseum.com, where members of the public can read archived media coverage and background information about the Quints and the ‘Save the Dionne Home’ campaign.
The group has also started a ‘Go-Fund-Me’ account where donations can be made.
TD Canada Trust Branch, 240 Main St. East, North Bay is also collecting donations.
“The Friends of the Dionne Quintuplet Home Museum are a volunteer group, working to keep the Dionne Quintuplet homestead and related artifacts intact and in the City of North Bay”, says Jeff Fournier, Chair of the group. “Our aim is to support the City in re-locating the homestead within the City of North Bay, preferably on the property adjacent to the Discovery North Bay Museum. We are committing our ongoing support to the city in assisting to operate and maintain the Quints’ home through community fundraising, acquisition of government grants, and the utilization of community volunteers.
“It is our wish to promote an understanding and respect for the Dionne Quintuplets, and the story of the Dionne Family , along with their historical and cultural significance to the City of North Bay, to the Province of Ontario and indeed, to the whole of Canada,” added Joshua Pride, Vice Chair of the group. “This campaign will help to aid us in this endeavour.”
Council almost voted to rid itself of the home during its last meeting, but Councillor Chris Mayne moved a notice of reconsideration which delayed any action until tomorrow (Tuesday) night.
The fate of the home will probably be decided by a council vote Tues. Feb. 21st.
