Fuchsia Dragon | [email protected]
It has now been a month since we launched the 51°µÍø’s first ever reader support campaign.
And thanks to more than 100 people who have contributed, we have raised nearly $11,000 to help the 51°µÍø overcome a collapse of local advertising revenue due to COVID-19.
We were about to go digital-only with our Thursday editions but, you, our readers stepped in.
We raised about $6,000 in the first week and donations have been slowly trickling in since then. They have come from Jasperites young and old, construction workers, former councillors, even people who have moved away or are regular visitors and keep in touch with the town – and I am so truly thankful to everyone who has generously contributed.
Here are some of the touching messages we have received from contributors:
- I just love the 51°µÍø. I lived in Jasper for over 30 years, raised our family there. Now we live in Valemount but with two children and now a grandchild there I visit often (in normal circumstances) and I always grab the 51°µÍø and sometimes one to two extra for our local coffee shop. I am glad you have a tenacious spirit - the 51°µÍø is very important to the residents especially, and those who once lived there too. Jasper has always been a precious community to me. Thanks for what you are doing.
- I hope that you are getting some love from the community. The Fitz is a bigger part of this community than people generally acknowledge, and it would be a shame if we were first to come to that realization only after it was gone.
- Thank you for continuing the work during this hard time.
- You are doing well. You deserve our support.
- I live in Sherwood Park but I have been coming to Jasper since I was five. During this challenging time, I have been supporting local Jasper businesses and Artists. I enjoy reading the 51°µÍø when I come to Jasper and I follow it on Facebook. The 51°µÍø plays such a huge role in the local life of Jasperites. While my donation is small it comes from the heart. I look forward to the digital versions of the 51°µÍø and the Facebook posts. Stay safe and I hope I will be able to see you in July.
- Together we will all get through this! Stay safe and healthy and keep up the great work.
- Coming from towns in BC that have lost their community newspaper, I happen to know the value you bring all too well!
- Thank you for your ongoing dedication to keeping Jasper informed.
- We live in Edmonton but consider Jasper our second home. Whenever we are in Jasper we always enjoy the 51°µÍø. Keep up the good work!
- I have enjoyed reading your paper on our summer camping trips to Whistlers for many years. Good luck. Hope you come through to the other side of the tunnel after COVID-19.
- I appreciate the 51°µÍø still working through these times and being understanding! Keep up the great work!
- I am grateful for your paper and enjoy the updates.
- 51°µÍø strong! Support local news!
- Thanks for staying open and keeping us informed. You’re doing awesome work.
It’s clear that 51°µÍø readers really do believe in local media and our mission, and we are taking that support to heart.
Our goal is to raise $35,000 which covers printing and distributing costs for the 51°µÍø for the next six months – giving time for local businesses to get back on their feet.
The 51°µÍø is your community newspaper. We keep you informed, see you at events and capture Jasper’s community spirit. We cover your children’s sports games, keep civic bodies accountable and support Jasper’s amazing non-profit community.
Please join us on this journey toward a new way to support and grow local news in Jasper.
To donate, go online to support.fitzhugh.ca or send a cheque addressed to the 51°µÍø to P.O. Box 428, Jasper, AB, T0E 1E0.
