MARYVALE, ANTIGONISH COUNTY, N.S. - The H.M. MacDonald Playground Committee continued the campaign they started last fall with another successful fundraiser Feb. 17, at Piper’s Pub.
Committee member Heidi Fraser noted $1,800 was raised during the afternoon musical event, which also included a 50-50 draw.
“It went really well, we were very pleased with the turnout,” Fraser said.
The vision for the group, as stated on their pamphlet which was available at the event, talks about the “space” new playground equipment at the school will create.
“Where children of all abilities can play and learn together in a fun and welcoming environment. It will be designed to challenge their physical abilities, and build and develop skills while encouraging social interaction through physical play.”
The fundraising goal is $125,000.
“We’re not looking to take out any of the equipment; anything that was deemed unsafe has already been removed by the [Strait Regional Centre for Education],” Fraser said.
“So it’s not an issue of the playground not being safe, it’s just that there is not a lot there for the older kids; so we’re just looking to update it, basically. The playground equipment we have now is quite dated.”
Fraser said the campaign will go until the end of June, around the same time the school year wraps up.
“We’re hoping that we’ll have our goal by then and, if not, we’re going to reassess and see what we can do with whatever funds we have in June, because we would like to have it installed this summer,” she said.
As for future fundraising activities, Fraser noted the committee will be putting together Mother’s Day and Father’s Day packages they’ll organize a draw for.
Other activities include the Antigonish Lions hosting one of their popular pancake breakfasts on behalf of the campaign, a barbecue scheduled for the spring at Kent Building Supplies and bagging groceries, at both Sobeys and Atlantic Superstore, sometime in May.
There is a ‘Giving Tree’ in the main hallway of H.M. MacDonald Elementary School, in Maryvale, for businesses donating $500 or more to be recognized.
The ‘plan’ as noted in the pamphlet:
“A new playground for H.M. MacDonald School will involve the coming together of children, parents, teachers, neighbours, businesses, leaders and interested individuals. This means a playground designed by listening to the voices of many.”
Persons interested in supporting the campaign can contact committee chair Anita Larkin-MacDonald at 902-971-0367 or the school at 902-863-2096.
