Redvers School received a $10,000 gift from Virden's Tundra Oil and Gas which will help the school to upgrade their playground project for wheelchair accessibility.
During the cheque presentation on Thursday, Nov. 9, Redvers School Vice-Principal Bryce Birch said: “This contribution from Tundra Oil and Gas allows us to upgrade our equipment to provide more activities for not just our students here at the school, but also for other members of the community.”
Tundra's Tarin Nahachewsky added: “Our foundation is pleased to contribute to such a worthwhile project and we are happy to help make this playground and park accessible to everyone in the community of Redvers.”
To date, Redvers School has raised about $60,000. The fundraising - a joint effort between the Redvers Lions Club and the School Community Council (SCC) - raised the cash through various fundraising activities as well as from corporate and community donations.
The SCC's efforts included participating in Co-op Community Days as well as hosting barbeques, a dunk tank and other activities in partnership with the Redvers Lions. The playground project also benefited from the Redvers Lions' 'Trip of the Month' fundraiser.
Phase I of the playground project began in 2013, with the construction of a basketball court. In 2014, Phase II was completed with the installation of a new playground structure.
In spring 2017, groundbreaking for Phase III is set to begin. A rubberized surface will be installed, which will allow wheelchairs to move easily on the ground. A wheelchair-friendly playground structure will also be installed.
“This is of great importance to us,” said Birch. “We wanted to build a structure that was inclusive to and for the community; as our facility is used often by the community as a park, especially in the summer.”
“On behalf of the students and staff of Redvers School, I'd like to extend a very special thank you to Tundra Oil and Gas for their very generous donation, which will allow us to move further to our goal of providing a wheelchair-accessible playground for not just our school, but for the entire community of Redvers.”
