Centennial ’67 Public School in Spencerville has received a $15,000 donation from the Port of Johnstown to go towards the school’s Playground Upgrade Fundraiser. As part of the school’s fundraising efforts for the playground upgrade, the school council submitted a Community Capital Projects grant proposal to the Port of Johnstown in the spring. Sabrina Winchester, co-chair of the school council, decided to ask for the total amount they needed to complete their fundraiser.
This grant is part of a new program to support organizations that boost the community. A maximum of $75,000 is planned be given to deserving candidates each year for the next five years.
The $15,000 from the Port of Johnstown was used to purchase three new playground structures at the school. The play equipment was installed in August and is being enjoyed by students.
Over the past three years, the school council has been working with school administration and the Board to make significant upgrades and improvements to the outdoor area of the school property. The school has organized numerous in-school and community fundraisers from selling Little Caesars, to dance-a-thons, movie nights and Christmas markets, to name a few.
“I am so proud to say that I am a member of the Centennial ’67 family and community,” says Principal Leann Bruley. “Our school council set a goal to fundraise for a new playground structure and the entire school community and the greater community at large rallied to accomplish this goal. They creatively worked together to ensure that the students benefitted from their efforts.”
“This has been an long- term project for the Centennial ’67 school council. The focus and hard work they have put in to making this playground upgrade a reality is remarkable. I’m proud to be part of a community that cares so much about kids and wants to invest in their future. Thank you to the Port of Johnstown for their contribution, and to the Township of Edwardsburgh-Cardinal and school board staff who that helped to make this happen,” adds UCDSB Trustee Lisa Swan.
In addition to the donation from the Port or Johnstown, the Township of Edwardsburgh-Cardinal contributed $500 to the school’s outdoor transformation.