Two companies yesterday made donations totalling $1M to the Theatre Guild Board of Trustees to aid in the ongoing restoration efforts.

In a simple handing-over ceremony at the Theatre Guild, General Equipment (Guyana) Limited and Farms Supply Limited each donated $500,000 to the Theatre Guild. Member of the Board of Trustees Ameena Gafoor received the cheques on behalf of the board.

In a short speech, CEO of General Equipment Renger Van Dijk said the restoration of the theatre is an excellent idea that will lend to the revival of a dying culture. He said the arts are a way to revitalize society and the theatre embodies a rich culture. Van Dijk said both his company and his son’s did well last year and they decided to give back to the society that supported them and the most impressive project is the Theatre Guild restoration.

Gafoor in a short statement said that the trustees are very appreciative of the donations since the budget for the restoration efforts went beyond the original estimate. She said society underestimates the value and role of the arts as an opportunity for people to realize their potential and capabilities. “The arts are a major way to induct young people on a culture oriented path,” she said.

Gafoor said that the transformation of the playhouse has been tremendous and has much to do with the donations received. Yesterday’s donation leaves the budget to complete the project at $7 million. Gafoor appealed to Guyanese, whether here or abroad to donate to this venture.