LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON - Parents and teachers at Bompas Elementary School are working together to raise money for playground equipment.

Alisha Hardisty-Isaiah, right, and Larissa Grossetete sit on the only piece of playground equipment Class 3 students have to play on during recess at Bompas Elementary School. -Roxanna Thompson/NNSL photo

In the spring almost all of the equipment in the green wing's yard used by students in Class 3 was removed because of its age. Gone are the swing sets and the wood and metal climbing structure that included slides. Students have been left with only a semi-circle metal climber in an otherwise barren yard.

While its equipment is still standing, attention is also being directed to the red wing's yard. Students in Classes 4 and 5 who spend their recesses there only have a basketball court and an aging metal climber that sees little use.

The fundraising group is looking to gather approximately $60,000 to outfit both yards with new equipment. The goal is to install at least one playground and ideally both over the summer, said Anyes Fabre-Dimsdale, one of the parents involved in the project.

To reach its goal the group is exploring a number of different fundraising avenues and looking for additional volunteers.

"We're looking at thousands of dollars so everyone has to work together," Fabre-Dimsdale said.

Parent volunteers, who so far number around 20, are offering their services to cater events and run concession stands. They have already had some bookings.

Other fundraising events will include a table at the Bompas Christmas sale, a loonie auction in January and raffles. The school's staff will also be running a bingo.

Funds are also being sought from farther afield. Cindy Browning, a regional school counsellor, has registered the project with the Aviva Community Fund.

Aviva Insurance is offering $1 million to fund projects from across Canada. Projects are chosen based on the number of votes they receive online.

By spreading the word on Facebook, Browning said former Fort Simpson residents across the country are voting to help the school.

The fundraisers have also turned to the territorial government based on the example of Fort Liard where the Department of Education, Culture and Employment matched the money raised for new playground equipment for Echo Dene School. During a visit to the village in October Jackson Lafferty, the department's minister, said if a proposal was submitted he'd look at finding money for it.

"We're hoping they'll honour that commitment," Fabre-Dimsdale said.

Having playground equipment for the students is important, she said. There's a continual message that youth should be spending time outdoors being physically active and the equipment will facilitate that, said Fabre-Dimsdale.

Playground equipment also gives students something to do during recess other than stand around, said Browning. It helps to prevent bullying and the formation of cliques.

By also adding picnic tables and benches the group has an additional goal of making the area more inviting for families and visitors, Browning said.

Chris Kingsbury, the school's principal, described the fundraisers' efforts as being "wonderful."

"The children are looking forward to having a new playground as soon as possible," he said.

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