An entertainment hub in Cambridge is in desperate need of upgrades.
Cambridge Community Players, formerly known as the Galt Little Theatre, has seen its home on Water Street South fall into disrepair.
General aging has taken its toll on the building with cracked tiles, ripped carpet and appliance breakdowns adding up.
Despite it all, the show has been going on thanks to the dedication of volunteers.
"We're so very lucky to be able to use this building but with age we need to make upgrades," Michele Hildebrandt, vice chair of business for the Cambridge Community Players, said.
"This has been one of those years when it rains, it pours."
Donations of flooring material, river rock for the front garden, toilets and sinks with taps, a large vacuum, a heavy duty dishwasher for the bar, gift cards for silent auctions and cash are all being collected in an effort to do the work necessary to bring the building up-to-date.
The theatre recently received a significant donation from Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada for lighting upgrades, which Hildebrandt believes has enhanced the experience for those in attendance.
With the operational model heavily dependent on volunteers, sourcing and securing donations has become difficult, Hildebrandt said.
Between volunteers getting older and those who haven't returned after the COVID-19 pandemic, it's placed an increased workload on those who remain.
"We're just starting to build our volunteer base back up," Hildebrandt said.
"A big challenge is having the volunteers go out and walk the area asking for donations. It takes a village to put on a show and keep the theatre running. From fundraisers to bar staff and costumes, the list goes on."
By completing the repairs, Hildebrandt hopes to make the facility more accessible and create a welcoming place to enjoy a show.
"We want to make a safer environment for our visitors and visually a more enjoyable experience," she said.
"We have a wonderful history of community theatre and just celebrated 90 years. We'd love to see it go on for many more."
Donations can be made by contacting Hildebrandt at [email protected].
Anyone interested in volunteering can email volunteers@
