I have to admit that when I first saw the news about Kaboom helping us get a new playground for our community school and that volunteers were required to build it, I was skeptical. Despite all my years seeing the magic of community building through social media, I had serious doubts that my own neighbourhood would get behind something like this.
However, the people who drive our school PAC, are incredible, and have been an amazing force for good making our little school the amazing little place it is despite the financial ups and downs of the VSB and the changing face of our neighbourhood. And so it was with great joy that after arriving extra early (6:30) in case they needed help with the set up, I watched the volunteers flow in to take part.
KaBOOM! is a national non-profit dedicated to saving play for children across North America. Started by Darrell Hammond of Washington, DC, after he saw how the lack of safe and fun places to play was effecting the future health and safety of children all around him. KaBOOM’s mission is to create great playspaces through the participation and leadership of communities. Basically, your organization can apply to them for help and they lay the groundwork for the build, fundraising, awareness campaigns, everything you need to pull your community together.
Once again, hats off again to the people who put their hearts and time into getting this going. I was sort of on the committee, but my time constraints made it very difficult. It however did show me just how much work went into this and how great the KaBOOM system is for things like this. Their funding partners/sponsors are Foresters. An insurance and investment firm who are PASSIONATE about volunteerism and I was lucky to meet a few of them who were joining in our build.
Adam was upset that he couldn’t actually build the playground himself and felt too manly for the painting and mural projects, so we ended up on MULCH duty…which was hot and sweaty work. It was fun though as the kids were so enthusiastic with their shoveling. My awesome mom also volunteered and was busy making and installing benches, as not only was this a playground build, but a school improvement. Thanks to the donated wood and equipment (Home Depot, I believe) planters and benches, and a raised garden was build for the school as well as new murals and other decoration.
The school looks great. Thank you to all the volunteers and all the amazing sponsors, including M & M Meat Shop and much much more.
That is awesome!! I have seen this group a couple times, great work!
Is this the one at Champlain heights????
Kaboom is a great organization. Every kid has a right to play and be a kid. I’m also a big supporter of the right to play organization and their work in promoting and fostering an environment where kids can enjoy life and be physically active. Physical activity is an essential component of growing up and it’s important that we emphasize this. And if you have children that play in a sports league sign up there team at http://www.spitz.ca/playz to win their team new sports equipment. Get all the kid’s parents to sign up and win! I’m thinking that the more people sign up the better odds of winning.