PENOLA and Coonawarra children will soon have more reason to look forward to play time with fundraising efforts for the McKay Children’s Centre outdoor play area in full swing.
Despite major setbacks as a result of COVID-19, the centre will push ahead with a drama platform, a stone creek and more exploration ideas at the facility.
The facility’s governing council had planned hosting a number of fundraising events such as a barbecue and an event at the Penola Coonawarra Arts Festival, but were forced to shelve plans due to social distance restrictions.
Undeterred, the 10 community members have planned to cut firewood to sell and raise the funds.
Governing council chairperson Meg Redman said the firewood fundraiser had been held before and was of great benefit to the community.
“It was very successful last time we held it and because of social distancing and with the restrictions we thought it would be a good idea,”
Ms Redman said.
“We have all volunteers split into groups and they will be spread around the region at different locations to cut, gather and deliver the wood to those who have preordered.”
Ms Redman said eight loads of firewood has already been purchased, with two more loads required to meet council’s fundraising goal.
“It is coming up to winter which is good timing for the fundraiser as many people are beginning to crank up their woodfire heaters,” she said.
“We have already had so many people put their hands up to volunteer in a number of different aspects including donating their chainsaws or trailers for the day.”
Alongside the busy fundraising activities, the sand for the children’s sandbox was also recently replaced with community members and businesses donating their time.
The fundraiser starts on May 16 and run until May 20.
