Holy Spirit Elementary School received confirmation last week that a donation from the Totem Group for its new playground project would bring them up to $57,000 fundraised thus far.
The school has almost raised enough to open up the door to government-matching grants. Fundraising has been achieved through the sale of entertainment books, private and corporate donations, as well as household bottle depot donations.
“It’s very exciting,” said Holy Spirit principal Kevin DeForge, remarking how relieving it is to have this amount secured ahead of schedule.
“We’re now just shy of the $60,000 mark, where we can start applying for government matching grants,” said DeForge, adding that the decision to add a rubberized surface (rather than gravel) may bring the total cost over the originally estimated $125,000.
The application of a rubberized surface (made from 100 per cent recycled materials) was selected for improved safety and aesthetics.
DeForge credits the Holy Spirit Playground Committee, highlighting the efforts of key committee members Josh Clark, Lucy Lovelock, Lisa Lawrence and Vivian Cox.
He also expressed gratitude toward school parent Jennifer Preece — an employee of the Totem Group who brought the project forward to her employers.
Parents and community members were asked to vote for their preferred playground design, selecting a ‘bungalow style’ playground.
The playground will be constructed from 100 per cent recyclable materials.
Contractor Green Roots Play Equipment Inc. would utilize some 50,000 recycled milk jugs in the making of the playground — making this the first playground in the district to be built solely from recyclable materials.
The goal is to have all the monies in place by fall 2015 and for the playground to be built and operational by the spring of 2016.
To learn more about how to donate or corporate sponsorship opportunities, Holy Spirit can be contacted at 403-500-2065.
