Roland Elementary Parent Advisory Committee was the largest benefactor of Carman Area Foundation’s annual granting campaign. The group received $6,000 for its new playground project at the school during the Foundation’s annual gala last week. It was the largest grant handed out in 2014. PAC Chair Dee Anna Unrau says about two years ago the committee decided the school was in need of a new play structure and immediately got to work fund raising and applying for grants. “The one we have there currently is made out of wood and is close to eighteen years old.” She adds the PAC set a goal of raising $40,000 in two years and with the Foundation grant it has come in on target. “It’s quite exciting for such a small school to reach quite a high goal like this. There has been a lot fund raising going on and a lot of families have really stepped up to help us out.”
When asked how important something like a community foundation is to projects like this, Unrau explained that without this support the PAC would never have reached its goal. “Our little fund raisers just don’t quite cut it.” She adds this new playground won’t just benefit the students at the school, but children throughout the community will be able to enjoy it as well. “We have a lot of young families moving into Roland these days and (the playground) will get people out and enjoying the summer.”
Unrau thanks all those who supported the project and says the new playground will bring so many smiles to the children of Roland.
The PAC hopes to order the new structure within the next month or so, with excavation work to start at the site once school is out for the year.
Article from Pembina Valley Online