AUTUMN MacDONALD
Observer Reporter
She says she wants 2017 to be the year “our kids remember, not because of winning, but because our community came together to make this happen.”
Bouchie Lake PAC president Delanie Neville said the support from business and individuals since the announcement they were finalists in the BCAA Play Here contest has been “amazing.”
BCAA announced Bouchie Lake Elementary as one of the finalists earlier this month, in a province-wide contest that would see the top three schools take home $100,000 for play space revitalization.
So how do we help Bouchie Lake take home the money? Show them your support by voting. Residents can vote up to four times a day, using four different voting options: Google, e-mail, Facebook and Twitter. Check out www.BCAAplayhere.com for more information.
“The quality of the Bouchie Lake Elementary School nomination showed a clear need for a better play space,” Shawn Pettipas, BCAA Senior Manager of Community Impact, said.
“The well-thought-out nomination detailed the positive impact a revitalized space would have on the kids and the rest of the community.”
As outlined in their BCAA Play Here nomination, Bouchie Lake Elementary School also houses a community daycare and Strong Start Program for preschool-aged children. The school’s building plans have been approved and over the past three years, the local Parent Advisory Committee has been actively fundraising but more funds are still needed to improve the space and replace its 30-year-old play equipment.
“If we win we plan on building a 20 by 30 outdoor classroom/structure, that will also be available to the community,” Neville said, noting the remaining funds are earmarked for replacing the ancient playground equipment.
With voting open until June 18, Neville says it’s crucial they maintain momentum (as of press time Tuesday Bouchie was sitting in second).
“It only takes like 10 seconds to vote,” she said, again highlighting how incredible the community has been in supporting the school.
“This has brought the town together,” she said.
“Play Here is one of the largest community investments in BCAA’s history and we’re excited to increase our total contribution to $300,000 this year so that more communities can receive a revitalized play space,” Shom Sen, BCAA President &CEO said.
“We congratulate Bouchie Lake Elementary School on being named a finalist and thank the community of Quesnel for sharing their stories with us.”
Winners are announced June 22 on Global TV.