The story started when the committee reached out to agricultural producers to nominate them for the program. Initially farmers who used BASF products or those who sold them could vote, and they ended up as one of the three finalists. Then the voting was opened up to the general public.
“There were so many people who told our story to family members, to friends and sent them a link to vote. It was great.”
As the two week voting period began, the playground project built up momentum. They started in third and eventually grew more and more votes, taking the top prize in the end.
“We were down for a while,” Janssens said, “but everybody loves an underdog.”
The prize will take them to about $230,000, which is close to half their overall goal for the work they will be doing. Seeing that the committee has only been going for just over 18 months that is beyond impressive.
The plan is to build a more inclusive and interactive playground in the middle school area on the southwest side of Boissevain School. It will replace older equipment that is well past its prime. The new play equipment will include slides, spinners, swings, a transfer station and accessible base.
They are also looking to replace the primary playground and create something for high school students, but that is in the future. The middle school area is the top priority.
Recently, the committee held another fundraiser. The Party for the Playground was held in the school on April 26 and featured dancing, games, snacks and all around fun. Janssens said it was a great night and they raised another $2,519 for the project.
The partnership with Pringles’ Sports Excellence is wrapping up. The shop created “Truly Canadian” t-shirts, sweatshirts and hoodies. Each t-shirt purchased will garner the organization $10 and each sweatshirt/hoodie $15. They are also working with Splashers’ car wash to sell gift cards, with 20% of the $50 or $100 cards going to the cause. That will ramp up in a week or so.
They also continue applying for grants, with Janssens saying there will be “no stone left unturned.”
The plan at this point is to build the middle school playground over the summer/fall, hopefully getting a start when school is out. Janssens said the BASF win was not only great, but also fun, as it was announced over the PA system at the school, with the students being appropriately excited.
“It was a close race down to the end,” she stated. “It does feel good. It’s a big win for an important project.”
by PAUL RAYNER
Recorder staff