Every child deserves the right to play and the Power of Play is a group of community volunteers, headed by resident Andy Speers, that is working to ensure an accessible playground comes to Stait Park on Garafraxa Street here.
“It’s so exciting. We are at $80,000 right now. Our target that we’ve set is $160,000,” said Jackie Speers, co-organizer.
Building on their vision, the Rotary Club of Fergus/Elora donated $50,000 to the fundraiser on Nov. 22.
The fundraising sign at Stait Park is counting financial contributions with letters marked in red to show the status of the fundraising goal.
Announcing the donation on the group’s Facebook page, organizers said, “‘Tis the season for giving, and the Rotary Club of Fergus/Elora decided to give to us $50,000 [taking] us closer to our goal (we coloured three more letters on the sign).
“Thank you, thank you, thank you.”
Overwhelmed by the donation and the continued support throughout the community, Speers said it’s hard to believe how quickly the dream of the accessible park is becoming a reality.
“The community support has been awesome,” Jackie Speers said. “The funds from the local Rotary club are awesome.”
Neighbourhood supporter Kirsty Coles said, “We live in a fantastic community. It started with a garage sale this summer and people just came out and supported us.”
“It just restores your faith in people,” added Speers.
An exciting way the community can continue to support the group, which is easy and free, is by voting for “The Power of Play – creating a barrier-free playground” through the Aviva Community Fund online at www.avivacommunityfund.org/ideas/acfl3678.
$150,000 prize
“We have a chance to win up to $150,000 if we make it to the finals,” said Speers. “Now is the chance for people in our community to help make a difference.”
Hundreds of community improvement projects are vying for funding through the program. Voting online begins Dec. 3 and ends Dec. 12.
“Every email address can vote once a day,” said Coles. “It’s really fast and easy.”
Officials say the it takes approximately 10 seconds to vote.
Coles explained fundraising efforts will continue, but the Aviva Community Fund grant could bring them closer to their goal.
“We’re hoping to raise the money on our own, but if we get close to the target, we’re hoping the township will help make up the difference,” said Coles.
Promoting their goal, Power of Play volunteers handed out bracelets, donated by The Ostic Group, from their float in the Elora Santa Claus Parade last weekend – and will do so again at the Fergus parade on Dec. 1.
To support its efforts, Power of Play has a Facebook page with updates and a link to the voting website at www.facebook.com/pages/Power-of-Play-Fergus.
“If we make it to the finals, we will know by Dec. 15,” confirmed Speers.
