Minutes: February 28th, 2013

Meeting called by: Leah Elzinga, Chair
Called to order: 6:09pm
Present:
Leah Elzinga Monique Webb
Brandi Robinson Marj Kirsop
Eva Scrimshaw Stacey Buga
Colleen Moskalyk Robin George
Dani Melnyk

1. Playground Planning: Brandi gave a presentation illustrating the playground deficiencies as it currently stands, what options we have for replacement, potential costs, available grants and what strategies for implementation have been discussed thus far. Those present were encouraged to asked questions and make suggestions:

Leah: We need to consider the added cost of removing the old equipment and replacing the surface
Monique: Also consider the surface needs of the equipment chosen
Brandi: There are grants available for a rubber surface from McDonalds
Colleen: Is the company that we are considering a long established company?
Brandi: Yes, The Playground Guys are from Olds, AB and have been in business since 1984
Monique: Volunteered to research how much of the school’s property area is ours to use for the play equipment.
Eva: Suggests we include the whole community in fundraising efforts. Also that we request the Town of Morinville or Sturgeon School Division to assess the state of the playground to encourage their involvement in the replacement.
Monique: We need to convince the town council to move some focus onto the school playground. Speak with Carrie Dawson, the parks and recreation rep on town council.
Stacey: We need a hill!
Leah: We must raise $75k minimum before we can apply for grants. We can use volunteer man-hours and donated equipment value as part of funds raised total.
Brandi: We can fundraise and implement in stages which will allow us to apply for grants on a yearly basis.
Robin: We could create a form letter for school community members to take to their employers asking for donations.
Leah: we can display a visual aid (thermometer or gauge) to encourage support in the school.
Robin: Do we provide receipts?
Brandi: Yes, we are a charitable organization. We can put together a proposal for companies to consider.
Monique: Suggests holding the major selling fundraisers in the spring, use events to raise funds without “asking” for money, a Christmas store (donations collected throughout the year and displayed for sale within the school for the kids to buy as gifts for family members). Putting the focus on events vs. products fosters school culture.

Meeting Adjourned 7:27pm