CARROT RIVER — The Carrot River school fundraising committee has raised $1.165 million for amenities for the new facility including a second gymnasium, weight room and applied arts shop.
The committee is a community group with volunteers from the RM of Moose Range and Town of Carrot River.
The committee’s original goal was to raise $2 million by the end of June, which was planned to also fund outdoor amenities including playground equipment for primary and middle years, paved bus drop off/pick up zone, Kindergarten outdoor fenced-in learning play space, outdoor bleachers, upgrades to existing track, and areas for soccer, basketball and a pickleball court.
Kevin Trew, North East School Division trustee representing Subdivision 2 and the main contact for the committee, said that while they didn’t meet their original goal, they still intend to continue the fundraiser.
“The good news is we’ve looked at the amount of funds raised to date, and we looked at the total cost of the inside enhancements that we really needed an answer,” Trew said. “I’m pleased to say we’re going to do the three inside enhancements that we proposed.”
More than $1 million was raised before the fundraising fully went underway, through a donation by the Novak Family Foundation, which is connected to Edgewood Forest Products Inc.
The remainder was raised after the fundraiser went live in June.
The inside enhancements are expected to take about 80 per cent of the funds raised to date, with the remainder to be put towards outdoor amenities with a prioritization of playground equipment.
An additional $50,000 has been allocated from previous fundraisers held by Carrot River Elementary for playground spaces. It will remain slated for playground equipment at the new school. This brings the total allocated funds for the addition to $200,000.
“We were prepared that we weren’t going to raise the full amount for commitment on the outside enhancements,” Trew said. “Right now we’re not in a situation where there is going to be any cuts for outside enhancements, some of those outside enhancements can be done over time.”
Phase 3 of the fundraiser will involve approaching community members with a list of the outside amenities with specific costs available. It is expected to begin in late-August.
Trew said the launch of phase 3 is planned to coincide with an announcement of corporate donations received to date.
Donations may continue to be made at the Carrot River and RM of Moose Range offices. E-transfers are accepted.
The school is expected to open in 2023.
