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By Ashley Lavallee-Koenig

$20,000 BY JUNE 15

Sylvan Lake school seeks last donations needed for new, accessible playground

Jun 4, 2024 | 5:11 PM

Steffie Woima Elementary School, in Sylvan Lake, is raising money for a new, accessible playground, and are only $20,000 away from their $150,000 goal.

“The kids have been working so hard. They were doing canteen sales, and bottle drives, and dances and things like that, so they’re really putting their own time and energy; even sometimes they come to fundraiser events with their piggy-bank money because they want to help, so its truly a project that belongs to the kids too,” says Kayla Webb, a parent volunteer at the school.

So far, they have raised about $130,000 and hope to raise the remaining $20,000 by June 15, when their preliminary application to the Community Enhancement Grant is due.

If they are approved, the grant would match the donations received up to that point, bringing the total to their ultimate goal of $300,000 for the project.

“I think it’s really important for kids to see how much their hard work and their donations and their own money pays off. And when communities come beside them and say, ‘You guys worked so hard and now we’re gonna put in a little bit to help you get to your goal,’ it just really brings everybody together and shows kids that their hard work pays off and they can be proud of something they worked hard for,” says Webb.

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The school’s previous core playground structure was completely dismantled about a year ago as safety concerns around the degrading structure rose.

The final structure is intended to be fully accessible, with a smooth service, wheelchair-accommodating swings, and ramps to the main interactive stations, although designs have not yet been finalized.

The school will be holding a 50/50 draw in the coming week, and is offering social media posts and photo-ops to businesses who would like the sponsor the project.

“If you’ve been thinking about it, give us a call and let’s chat about a donation, and we can make it happen however is the least inconvenient way for the person,” says Webb.

Donations can also be made via cheque or e-transfer to steffiefundraising@gmail.com.

(Supplied)

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