An initiative by the Friends of Glenbow Education Society intends to raise funds for a new, fully-accessible playground and outdoor learning space for Glenbow Elementary School within the next two years.
Glenbow School Council chair and Friends of Glenbow Education Society co-chair, Amanda Heninger, said the fundraiser aims to raise $500,000 for the new playground by 2025.
“This playground at Glenbow School will be fully-accessible and inclusive,” Heninger said. “We would also like to add an outdoor classroom or learning space near the playground as well.”
As someone involved with both the project and as a parent of children attending Glenbow Elementary School, Heninger said she will be excited to see the project come to fruition.
“I’ve had one child go through the school, and one still there,” Heninger said. “I’m very excited of what this new playground will do for students of the school and members of the community – giving all people of all abilities a place to meet, play, learn, and be a part of their school community.”
Although the fundraiser started just recently, a sizeable first donation has already come from Cochrane Home Treasures. Manager of Cochrane Home Treasures, Cayley Breeze, said the organization made their contribution after receiving a donation request by the Friends of Glenbow Education Society.
“The request came in and we wanted to kick-start their fundraising campaign, and so we donated $20,000 to help them on their way,” Breeze said.
As part of their efforts to give back to the community, Cayley said the team at Cochrane Home Treasures is excited to help contribute to a new playground for Glenbow Elementary School.
“It benefits not just the students at Glenbow, but I think it benefits the community as a whole,” Breeze said. “That’s what we do. We donate to various groups and help them in their fundraising efforts.”
Breeze said everyone who is a part of Cochrane Home Treasures is proud to be the first to donate toward the initiative and hopes their contribution can drive others in town to help the Friends of Glenbow Education Society reach their goal.
“We’re happy to see the community pull together and help them,” Breeze said “We hope others jump in to help them as well.
“Playgrounds are a great investment in the community and they will be used for years to come.”
For more information about the fundraiser, Heninger said to check out the Friend of Glenbow Facebook page. She added that groups or individuals who are interested in donating can visit bit.ly/3ZvPfYF.
