A well-known philanthropist who has stepped up many times in the past has come forward to help the Fluvarium in St. John’s.

The fish and aquatic facility, which hosts thousands of school students each year, plummeted into financial hardship after Suncor withdrew its sponsorship. The sale of a Mary Pratt work of art this week helped keep the wolf from the door for a short time but also sparked an outpouring of support. The piece fetched $13,000 at an auction in Toronto.

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.

The Fluvarium opened almost 30 years ago and features large windows offering underwater views of a river that cuts through the north end of St. John’s.

Perlin says Ratcliffe’s donation will keep the Fluvarium on stable footing through the summer while its board searches for a new sponsor.