Last July, Coast Reporter published an article detailing Thyme Second Stage Transition House's need for funds to replace the dilapidated playground equipment in its backyard.
Thyme Second Stage provides longer term housing and support for women and children fleeing domestic abuse. Children, who are often traumatized by their experiences, need a safe place to play and just be kids.
The community responded with donations of in-kind services, supplies and volunteer labour. The playground is now built and the children are enjoying their new space.
"Like the people of Hartley Bay, from the moment the article appeared in Coast Reporter, our community responded with an abundance of generosity, kindness and hard work," said Anita Couvrette who spearheaded the project.
"There was no hesitation. The very day the article appeared, I was contacted by Gary Sigler. He and his wife wanted to donate money and, more importantly, he wanted to help build the playground."
Thus began a collaboration that would continue for nine months. Sigler worked on every aspect of the project. He helped find and choose the playground equipment, hired the contractors, prepared the site and built the playground.
"I'd like to nominate Gary for volunteer of the year," Couvrette said. "He gave so much time and positive energy to this project. There would be no playground without him."
The same week the article appeared, more benefactors came forward. Their generous donations enabled the Transition House to apply to the Vancouver Foundation for a grant to replace the backyard equipment. (Community support is a pre-requisite.) With kind-hearted and efficient assistance from Dianne Evans at Sunshine Coast Community Services, the parent organization for Thyme Second Stage, the Transition House successfully applied for and received funds from the Vancouver Foundation Vancouver Sun Children's Funds.
"A huge thank you goes out to the Vancouver Foundation and our community donors," Couvrette added. "With the funds provided we were able to purchase top quality, challenging and safe equipment to the delight of our children.
This was such an incredible experience. Everyone who came in contact with this project wanted to give. I've been deeply touched by this community. This is truly the playground the whole community built. All of us at Thyme Second stage, the staff, children and moms want thank everyone from the deepest depths of our hearts. The kindness and generosity given so freely by this community is greatly appreciated."
Couvrette said she still has money left over and will be adding more equipment in the coming months.
"Phase one of the project has been an incredible success," she said. "The children are now having so much fun digging and climbing and building - just playing. Thank you to everyone. Our children are a precious resource."
