One of Richmond’s smallest schools is reaching out to the business community in a bid to fund the first phase of its new playground.
Grauer elementary, near Blundell Road and Railway Avenue, has just 160 students on its roll but needs to raise $60,000 to get things off the ground.
Earlier this week, the school’s community – which has been raising money since last September - has pulled together more than $50,000.
However, it’s asking 100 local business people to chip in $100 each to bring the total up to the required $60,000.
And by the time the Richmond News caught up with principal Andrew Ferguson, the school had managed to find 31 of the 100 people they need to contribute $100.
“It is (tough), yes. We are a small community, so it can be difficult (to raise money),” said Ferguson.
“But what we’ve managed to raise really speaks to the community in Richmond. We’re hoping by the beginning of July to have reached our target.
“We just need a few more people to step up.”
Ferguson said the full project will cost around $180,000, with support hopefully on the way in the fall from the City of Richmond and the school district.
“We’ve been raising the money through community events, including through one of our alumni, Shane Dagan, at Steveston Seafood House, where we had a fundraising dinner,” added Ferguson.
He said he’s not exactly sure how old the current playground is, but said Dagan remembers it being there when he graduated in 1996.
Anyone willing to chip in the $100, or more, should email the school at [email protected].
