The Eckville Fundraising Society is inching closer to construction of the new playground at Eckville Elementary School.
The project has recently received a $125,000 grant from the Community Facility Enhancement Program (CFEP) through the provincial government.
“The CFEP is what we’ve been hoping for for a couple of years so this is the first time we’ve been accepted for it,” said Tiphany Eliuk, president of the society.
She added the project has also received donations and grants from the Benalto Elks as well as $50,000 from each the County of Lacombe and the Town of Eckville.
READ MORE: Lacombe County Council contributes to new Eckville playground
Currently the societies grand total is around $330,000, just shy of their $430,000 goal.
“We are set to build this summer whether we get the money or not,” said Eliuk, “if we don’t get all the money then we’re just going to cut out some of the pieces of the playground and go a little bit smaller.”
In the meantime the society will continue to hold fundraisers with a bunch of little events scheduled with the hopes of hosting one more big one.
Next week, Jan. 29 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., there will be a bottle drop off at the school, said Eliuk.
“We just need to fundraise some more money or to get some more donations and then this summer we just need some manpower to help us,” explained Eliuk. “I think it’s only going to take about a week to do the whole build.”
In addition to monetary donations Eliuk says the society is looking for donations in time as well.
For example, companies who are willing to donate time and a bobcat to help de-construct the old playground or construct the new will help save the society money, said Eliuk.
The society is always looking for new members to serve as a voice at meetings or help host fundraisers.
Those interested in joining or looking to stay updated on the project can do so through the Eckville Fundraising Society Facebook page.