If they build it, kids will play
Let Them Be Kids program aiding in construction of new playground in Sydney Mines
JULIE COLLINS The Cape Breton Post
SYDNEY MINES — St. Joseph’s Elementary School in Sydney Mines and surrounding community is without a playground — but not for long.A playground will be in place this fall, thanks in part to the assistance of Let Them Be Kids, an Ontario-based initiative which helps communities build playgrounds along with donations from community groups and individuals.The program gives the school $1 of equipment buying power for every 60 cents the school raises to help cover the cost of the new playground. “Over the years we’ve been able to buy a piece here and there, but that method doesn’t work,” said group member Michelle MacDonald. “It is going to cost about $95,000 to build an all-access playground and we are over half the way there. We hope to have the infrastructure and the all-access pathways in place when the playground equipment for the new Miner’s Memorial Playground is installed on Oct. 17.”The name honours the rich mining heritage of Sydney Mines and surrounding communities.The students of St. Joseph’s did their share of fundraising bringing in $2,500 in pennies. The students also had input into the type of equipment selected for the playground.“Really, this is all about kids,” MacDonald said. “Not just the children at St. Joseph’s, but the any child in the community who wants to, will be able to use the playground.”As part of it’s fundraising initiative which includes barbecues, dances and a silent auction, the parents support group will feature a memory wall in honour of miner’s from the local area. “We are looking for volunteers to assist with the fundraising, but also to help on Oct. 17 when we construct the playground,” MacDonald said. “There is going to be a lot to do that day, so we are hoping to get between 300 or 400 volunteers. This project is important, not just for the kids, but for our community. It’s a chance for people to come together in support of a good cause and shows our children what can happen when people work together.” Let Them Be Kids is an all volunteer non-profit organization that acts as a catalyst to help build community capacity on the grassroots level, while building playgrounds, skate parks and fitness parks across Canada. jcollins@cbpost.com
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