New playground fundraiser

By Laureen F. Guenther Times Contributor

Parents, staff and students of the new George Freeman School, which opened in September 2018, are fundraising to build a school playground.
The K-9 school has 224 students currently enrolled, and 315 students are already enrolled for the 2019-20 school year. But all those children have only an empty field to play on.
The school plans to install a playground this summer, said school parent Kristen Wilson, representative of the playground fundraising committee. But the project will cost nearly $500,000.
Funding of $280,000 has already been obtained through a government grant, committed sponsors and earlier fundraisers. That means almost $220,000 more is needed, and the committee is planning two more fundraisers before the end of this school year.
On June 15, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., they’re hosting a Falcons Paintball event at the Strathmore Delta Force Field. The $35 admission includes safety equipment and 100 paintballs, and allows play for all or any part of the day. All participants eight years and older (in accordance with provincial paintball laws) are welcome.
Due to a generous donation from Delta Force, Wilson said, the committee hopes for ticket proceeds of $5,000. They also plan a 50/50 raffle draw and a raffle of donated items at the paintball event.
Paintball tickets can be purchased online at Eventbrite or at the school office. George Freeman School students will also be selling tickets, with a community blitz from May 13 to 24.
A Buy a Brick Fundraiser is also in progress until June 15, Wilson said. Participants can buy an engraved brick to be placed in the picnic area of the playground.
“The bricks can be personalized, have a logo, have a special message or a favourite quote,” she said. “The bricks are a fantastic way to commemorate the beginning of the school.”
Brick prices vary according to size, starting at $75 a brick. To learn more about the Buy a Brick fundraiser, or to obtain a brick package, email friendsofGFSS@outlook.com.
After current fundraising efforts conclude in June, the installation of the playground will begin in July. The committee plans to accomplish as much as possible, according to funds raised, before the 2019-20 school year begins. If a funding shortfall prevents building the complete structure, they have a plan to complete the playground in phases.
“Our students have been so adaptive and creative in their outdoor playtime,” Wilson said. “We do not want to have to make them wait longer to get playing on the new structure.
“Every school and every community centre needs a playground,” she added. “Our goal is to enhance the outside of this facility to include a playground, outdoor classroom/picnic area, community garden and parkour course, with the aim of including citizens of all ages and abilities. The playground will not only be used by George Freeman School students, but also by users of the Sports Centre, and Strathmore and Wheatland County residents.”
For information about corporate sponsorships, contact them via email (friendsofGFSS@outlook.com).