Robertson elementary school is fundraising to pay for a new piece of playground equipment, following a fire earlier this year.
An older wooden structure was set on fire in early January, requiring it to be removed. Even though the playground was not completely damaged, it needed to be removed for student safety. The school district was already in the process of removing these types of playgrounds, as they need repairing, in favour of the more modern, colourful and sturdy designs.
Now, the school's parent advisory council is fundraising to replace the damaged playground. The replacement cost to build something similar to what was destroyed is over $50,000, said a member of the PAC. School boards do not generally pay for playground structures, and the funds come largely from fundraising and grant acquisition. So, the Robertson PAC is hoping to raise about half of that cost, at $25,000, in order to install a few smaller pieces for the students to use.
They have set up an account at the Chilliwack Bottle Depot and are inviting the public to drop off their empties in an effort to bolster the funds. When dropping off your cans and bottles, let the staff know you are donating to the Robertson elementary PAC, account 451.
They are also holding a Spring Market on Sat., May 9, and proceeds will go toward the playground fund.