Fundraising fever in Rivers
- Details
- Published on Monday, August 31, 2015
By Sheila Runions
Banner Staff
Readers may recall that two years ago Riverdale Community Daycare began the long process of fundraising and submitting applications for safety regulations, etc. Last October they announced three rooms in Rivers Collegiate will be renovated for 32 childcare placements, 24 preschool and eight infants. In May they reported some indoor and outdoor play equipment had been purchased and that their work with Manitoba Family Services Regulatory Board (adhering to a comprehensive list of rules and stipulations) continues. The committee co-ordinated two fundraisers in conjunction with Rivers fair on July 8 and they submitted an application to win a $25,000 Together We Thrive grant in August; Dauphin was the Manitoba winner. Their regulatory work and fundraising efforts continue with two more events confirmed for September and October.
“Our first fundraiser is the Ford Drive One 4UR community,” says Season Chiborak. “It will be Sunday, Sept. 13, 11 .m. to 3 p.m. at the arena parking lot. Ford sends about 10-15 brand new cars and all everyone has to do is go on a test drive an we get $20! It's the greatest fundraiser because all we ask for is 20 minutes of your time. Rivers and Area Lions Club will have a barbecue, Star 94.7 radio will be there, the police car, ambulance and fire truck will be on display for kids to tour and we will have a small kids zone.”
In 2010 Ford started the international Drive 4UR school or community to benefit schools and organizations and in less than two years, they had given away $1 million; each event can raise a maximum of $6,000 (300 test drives). Kelleher Ford in Brandon will bring their latest vehicle models for the public to test drive; these may include F-150, Edge, Escape, Focus, Fiesta, Explorer, Fusion, Mustang and Super Duty. In 2012 72 per cent of the test drivers were owners of non-Ford vehicles.
The second fundraiser is based on the tremendous success of a similar venture in May, in which tickets were sold out two months in advance to support Oak River, Kenton and Hamiota Kids Clubs.
“The success of the Oak River event definitely was a factor in our decision to hold this type of fundraiser,” says co-ordinator Tanya Beaule. “The fact that they sold out so fast made us think there is a huge demand for this type of fundraiser in the area. We are planning on selling tickets at Super Thrifty in the near future. For people wanting to buy tickets right now, or if any other local businesses would like to sell tickets on our behalf, they can contact me at 204-761-8539 (day) or 204-328-4491 (evening). We will keep our Facebook page up to date on where and when tickets will be available.”
A Brandon firm, Happily Ever After Parties, will be in Rivers on Saturday, Oct. 3 from 1-4 pm. at Riverdale Community Centre. It is promoted as a superhero and princess party because Spiderman will be joined by sisters Elsa and Anna from the cartoon Frozen. The ticket price includes admission of one child, refreshments and more. There is the option of paying a separate fee to have a professional photograph taken of your child with their favourite character and children are encouraged to dress in their own costume. A maximum of 300 tickets will be sold, which is capacity of the hall in which they are hosting the party.
Season says, “It will be such a fun afternoon!”
Riverdale Community Daycare committee is comprised of parents, educators and community members who are working to provide the area with much-needed childcare. Riverdale Municipality has a population of more than 2,000 people, yet there are less than 25 licensed childcare spots.
