St. Michaels Anglican Church, which operates the Merritt soup kitchen, is looking for donations to fix a wall that is “bowing out.”

“We need to raise money to pull the walls together, and so we are having a steak dinner fundraiser,” said Audrey Campbell, fundraiser organizer. “It’s a neat old building with lots of history in Merritt that needs the community’s help.”

Church-goers have turned a cautious eye towards the slanted wall on the building’s north side for approximately the last 20 years, Campbell said.

“It’s not something that is quickly happening, but over the years it is getting more noticeable,” she said. “It’s just an old building and it’s getting tired and it needs to be braced up a bit.”

A repair company estimated the wall will cost approximately $5,500 to fix. Fundraiser organizers are hoping to raise half that amount and secure the other half through a grant.

The building, which will turn 100 years old in October 2013, is a sentimental part of the congregation of about 20 and of the broader community, many of whom have seen the building standing since they were born.

Metal wires would need to be installed for stability in four spots on the inside of the wall.

Campbell said the City of Merritt considers the church to be a heritage building, but it isn’t subject to renovation restrictions.

A silent and toonie auction will also be held at the fundraiser. Tickets can be purchased at Wal-Mart on Friday, May 18,  between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. They are also available by calling the church at 250-378-3772.

Each ticket to the Raise the Roof dinner, which is scheduled to be held at the Grand Pub and Grill on Garcia Street, costs $15 and sittings are at 5 and 7:15 p.m. on Saturday, May 26.