The Southwest Facility Foundation (SWFF) is celebrating a $100,000 contribution from North American Helium. The donation follows the recent opening of the company's helium facility near Stewart Valley. SWFF board member Butch Gering said he reached out to a contact in Calgary to discuss the foundation's fundraising efforts. “I just had a meeting with them and gave them a package, and they decided they would be generous and donate,” Gering said. The contribution will be paid over four years in annual installments of $25,000. New facility creates connection with SWFF North American Helium opened its Stewart Valley facility on Sept. 20. Gering said he saw an opportunity to connect the company's local presence with the foundation's goal of building a new aquatic or sporting facility in Swift Current. “I just thought it was a great fit,” Gering said. “They’re great community leaders in the communities they’re at, and they have a lot of community support.” The SWFF now has more than $5.55 million in cash and commitments. Related Stories: Swift Plumbing and Heating donates $25,000 to SWFF, matched by Innovation W.W. Smith makes six figure donation to SWFF SWFF secures $1 million for naming rights to new facility More development on Swift Current’s horizon In its official announcement, the SWFF shared that North American Helium is planning to build Canada's first helium liquefier in Swift Current, following the expansion of its helium extraction operations. The proposed project is expected to cost approximately $100 million, more than three times the estimated cost of a new aquatic centre in Swift Current. It is also expected to create multiple permanent jobs in the community. In the foundation's release, North American Helium said community support is a key part of its company culture and outlined its focus on lifelong learning, healthy communities and resilient ecosystems. The company said the SWFF's mission to promote wellness through accessible, multi-use recreation facilities aligns with its values and goals. “North American Helium is proud to support the construction of a new aquatic facility in Swift Current, Saskatchewan, with a donation of $100,000 over four years.”