The people behind East Vancouver’s iconic Rio Theatre have started an online fundraising campaign to help repair their sign.
The large “Rio” sign has been a fixture at Broadway and Commercial Drive for decades, but it’s looking a little worse for wear these days. Currently, only a few of the hundreds of lights are working.
The theatre is hoping to raise $15,000 to restore the sign to its former glory and convert to LED lights which last longer and are more energy efficient.
Organizers hope to raise the money by Christmas. So far, $4,290 has been raised on the IndieGoGo page.
Each new bulb on the sign is being sold for $30 including two passes to any Rio-sponsored move or event. There are various other packages available to help the Rio meet its fundraising goal.
Organizers say the theatre’s recent battle to change B.C.’s liquor laws have left it with a large debt. In 2012, the B.C. Liquor Control Board told the operators of the Rio that they couldn’t continue to operate as a theatre after holding licensed events. The Rio eventually won the battle with the province, and moviegoers can now order alcoholic beverages.
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