The Fluvarium aquatic centre in St. John’s receives next to no financial support from the provincial government, however, the board which runs the facility did approach government before the election for assistance.

John Perlin, the centre’s chairman emeritus, says Elinor Gill Ratcliffe contacted him to say she was writing a cheque for $75,000 after seeing media coverage of the non-profit centre’s funding struggles.

They weren’t sure for a short time if they would have to close the doors, but Ratcliffe’s donation will give them some time to look for a new sponsor.

The Fluvarium was built largely by the City of St. John’s and ACOA decades ago and is need of physical repairs.

He says he building is 30 years old and in need of a new roof. He adds that needing money for operations is not as attractive as building the facility.