THUNDER BAY -- Students at Hyde Park Public School are inching closer towards a new playground.
On Wednesday, the school’s latest fundraising efforts were unveiled and so far more than $11,000 of the $50,000 goal has been raised for a new outdoor play structure after the Walsh Street school’s former playground was destroyed by fire in April of last year.
The new total is thanks to $2,000 raised through efforts organized by Christina’s Home and Garden.
When owner Christina Reder heard about the fate of the playground in the news, she felt compelled to do something.
“It did tug on my heart,” she said. “I’ve got children of my own. I know how important it was to them growing up going to the school playground, wanting to hangout and whatnot.”
“I thought it’s time to get on board.”
After getting the greenlight from the school and with the help of her staff, Reder sent out 1,200 letters asking local businesses and community members to support the fundraiser.
And Reder supplied prizes for the top student fundraisers at the school.
Emma Skok was the top fundraiser and took home a brand new bicycle Wednesday. Ember Goodwin took home the second-place prize of a scooter and Lucas Nolan was the third highest fundraiser and won a skateboard.
Hyde Park vice-principal Shannon Jessiman-MacArthur said they were lucky to have Reder and her business approach the school and offer their help.
Although the school has a long way to go to reach their goal, the students are excited to see the dollars raised continue to rise.
“When they see pictures of what the playground could look like and when they see the fundraising thermometer in the foyer rising little by little, they get really excited,” she said.
“Hopefully they’ll see results in their time at this school.”
People can also vote for the Hyde Park playground on Tbaytel for Good.
