Legion supper provides funds for new HMK playground

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Published on Tuesday, March 8, 2016

Photo by John Drinkwater. From left: Mary Murray (who donated quilt), Laurie Kohinski (president, Legion Ladies Auxiliary), Rose Lee (convenor-supper/meat draw donation), Leslie Dyke (treasurer, HMK Parent Council), Allen Hanke (HMK principal). Foreground: Wyatt Njegovan and Kylie Frowerk.

By John Drinkwater

Neepawa Banner/Neepawa Press

On Feb. 25, members of the Neepawa Legion Ladies Auxiliary (LLA) presented a cheque to Hazel M. Kellington school. Principal Allen Hanke explained that Legion Ladies Auxiliary organizer Eleanor Jarvis approached him with an idea of a supper to raise funds for the new playground. A similar event occurred two years ago, whilst developing a climbing wall in the gym.

He talked to the Parent Council, who thought it was an excellent plan. Mary Murray donated the hand made quilt and raffle tickets were sold by the ladies and the students. The winner was Esther Duncan-Williams. Rose Lee donated food with desserts being provided by Parent Council and staff. Twelve parent/child volunteers helped at the supper which took place on Feb. 19, feeding 205 people.

Mr. Hanke said they were hoping to have enough money to build a new playground structure by next summer. The structure was originally expected to cost $90,000, but may cost $120,000 to allow for wheelchair access. The school has already raised $30,000 and are looking at applying for grants and help from other service clubs. Hanke said, “We would appreciate money or donations in kind (materials, site preparation etc.)”