A group of teachers took initiative to raise funds to replace the current play structure (Kinistino School Playground Fundraising/Facebook)

By Rachel May

Monkeying Around

Kinistino school fundraiser hopes to build a fully accessible playground for students

Nov 16, 2021 | 2:38 PM

Kinistino school students could soon be monkeying around on a new playground.

In 2018 the school division raised concerns about the existing play structure. The school took it upon themselves to raise money to replace the current play structure.

Sheldon Larson, a teacher at Kinistino School and member of the playground fundraising committee, said the COVID-19 pandemic has posed a challenge in terms of holding events to help with construction costs.

“We started with our goal being $100,000 but we’ve been struggling with our fundraising. Our current total is $32,028,” Larson said.

The school is currently switching up their tactics when it comes to fundraising. They have laid out a plan with various phases.

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“We have enough to purchase a basic structure and that’s our plan if we don’t get a whole lot more before spring. Our current goal is now $50,000 for the first phase of our plan,” he added.

The ideal play structure for the school will include monkey bars, slides and other interactive activities. This version of the play structure would be fully accessible to all students.

In the basic play structure, there will be fewer activities and reduced space. This version would make it so that fewer students would have access to the playground at one time.

The playground committee has proudly partnered with the Kinistino curling club, Kinistino Kinsmen and the school community council (SCC).

Currently, there is a virtual 50/50 draw taking place in partnership with the Kinistino Kinsmen. The pot is currently at $1,660 to be split between the playground committee and the winner of the draw.

Tickets can be purchased on the Kinistino Kinsmen Club website.

Past fundraisers for the committee have included M&M meat shop orders, popcorn sales, flower and gardening sales, a silent auction and a dance.

Although the pandemic has limited what the school can do, Larson said they are happy for all the support they have been getting.

“For anyone looking to help, we are always looking for more help or donations.”

To donate you can call the school at 306-864-2252 or you can email sheldonlarson@srsd119.ca

For updates on fundraising and upcoming events, Visit Kinistino School Playground Fundraising on Facebook.

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Rachel.May@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @RachelMayFM