Langton Public reaches playground goal

$16,700 Donation from 100 Women Who Care Norfolk

 

By Jessica Tulpin

On March 8th, Langton Public School received a $16,700 donation from 100 Women Who Care Norfolk allowing them to reach their fundraising goal for new playground equipment.
All students were on hand for the cheque presentation held in the school’s gymnasium. Principal Tracy Rodrigues gave an emotional speech expressing gratitude for the generosity of the donors. Students were excited and surprised to have reached the $50,000 target sooner than expected.
“Your parents raised the bulk of it, we just topped you up,” said a modest Sue Goble of 100 Women Who Care Norfolk. Beth Redden and Michelle Grummett, also members of the group, joined her for the cheque presentation.
The 100 Women Who Care Norfolk is a group of 167 local women who commit to quarterly donations of $100 to community projects, organizations and charities. Three causes are presented by members at each meeting and members vote on the recipient of the donation.

 

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Above: Langton Public School students show off the big cheque for $16,700 from 100 Women Who Care Norfolk, that put the school’s playground fundraising goal over the top. The $50,000 goal for new playground equipment became necessary when the old equipment no longer met safety standards.

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In September 2017 the playground equipment at the school no longer met safety standards and repairs were deemed too costly and the removal of the equipment followed. After conducting a cost analysis, fundraising to replace the playground began in December of that year. A Lucas Wilson magic show and a taco night are among fundraising events held by the school. Various products were also sold to bring in funds for the new playground. Donations from individuals, service clubs and businesses also poured in bringing the school to around two-thirds of its goal.
“It’s amazing what we’ve done in the last year. I was thinking it would take two or three years. A lot of people have played a part in all of this,” said teacher Lori DeCloet, who organized many fundraising efforts. “People who we haven’t asked have stepped up to donate.”
“We hope to have something installed by the end of the year. We were so fortunate to get this, I never expected it to happen this soon,” said an elated Ms. Rodrigues who noted the cheque was presented on International Women’s Day.