A small group of go-getters are taking on a big community project and are looking for residents not only from Sackville, but from all over the HRM to show their support. People will be voting in an on line competition that will decide whether the project is a go.
From the very beginning, when Linda Heffler and other members of the Acadia Recreation Club started thinking about creating a town centre for families in the community, she envisioned an accessible playground as part of the project. Well, the gardens are planted, the gazebo is being built and thanks to a national community fund, the playground could become a reality.
Despite knowing her little community will be competing against the likes of Toronto for votes, Heffler is confident HRM residents will come through.
“I don’t say if we get the $150,000,” said Heffler. “It’s when we get it.”
The Competition: Aviva Insurance puts up a million dollars annually to fund community projects. There are three levels of projects 50,000 and under, 50,000 – 100,000, and 100,000 – 150,000. It is all determined through community on line voting and whoever gets the most support from their community through the various rounds wins. The first step begins Oct. 1 -30th. Within that month there are three rounds of voting. If you are in the top 10 votes in the first round which is Oct. 1 – Oct 11 then your community does not have to participate in round 2 & 3 – you are automatically put through to the semi finals in December.
The Acadia Recreation Club is hosting a fundraiser at the park behind the Sackville library on Sept. 29 to help raise awareness for the project. There will be a barbeque and various forms of entertainment including the Sackville Community Band and a break dancing teen group.
Family games like Twister and three legged races will be held in the green spaces in the gardens.
The Salvatore Insurance Company is sponsoring the application for the fund and will be on hand with computers to sign people up to the project. They have also created a Facebook page and a mobile app.
Heffler said the accessible playground would be a huge addition to the community and compliment the park perfectly.
“I know we can do this,” said Heffler. “Please mark it on your calendar on Oct. 1. Vote, vote, vote. Tell your friends, put it on Facebook…whatever you can do.”
For more information and to find out how to vote visit: www.AvivaCommunityFund.org or search avivacommunityfund on Facebook.
blhall@eastlink.ca
Sackville public gardens
Over the months since work began on the Sackville public gardens, some trees, plants and flowers have been vandalized - last week small pears and apples were picked and destroyed - but so far volunteers have managed to repair the damage. Although the small Acadia Recreation Club committee is working toward a grant for security surveillance, they hope that by involving the whole community, residents will take ownership of the beautiful gardens and protect them. Volunteers are always needed for digging, weeding and planting and the committee would like to send a special invite to the youth of the community to come out and get involved. There are opportunities for schools to plant individual trees, gardens, etc. If you are interested in becoming involved in this very special community project, call Linda at 864-8558.
