GoFundMe campaign launched for Princess Cinemas

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to raise money for the Princess Cinemas in Waterloo. 

The money will be used to repair one of their screens, which was vandalized on Wednesday night. 

According to police, one suspect used an unknown object to cut holes in the screen while another recorded the act. Neither suspect has been identified yet. 

“The Princess in Waterloo, along with some GTA cinemas, recently was the victim of a senseless act of vandalism,” GoFundMe organizer Maryanna Paul writes on the page. 

“After nearly two years of being closed due to COVID-19, this is another blow. Insurance will not cover the cost of screen replacement, which will be several thousand dollars,” she said. “The Princess theatre is a staple in our community and has been here for us, entertaining us for decades.”

In just two days, the campaign has already surpassed its $5,000 goal, with a total of $6,250 at the time of writing from more than 100 donors. 

In response, Paul posted a statement on behalf of owners John and Wendy Tutt and staff, thanking everyone for their generous donations, which will help cover the cost of the damaged screen, as well as many other “related costs.”  

“We are deeply grateful and humbled by this outpouring of support and are honoured to have been able to show movies to Waterloo Region audiences for nearly 40 years. Please stay tuned for a future free screening for all donors as our way of saying thanks for your kindness and support.”

You can find the GoFundMe campaign here.