Votes needed to secure Primary School grant

by Dave Preston=

The Boys and Girls Club has taken the lead in trying to access corporate funding for Primary School renovations.

Aviva Insurance has set aside $1 million in the Aviva Community Fund to go toward worthwhile community projects across the country.

The Peachland Primary School Restoration Project is now listed on www.avivacommunityfund.org and residents can help the club towards its goal of securing a grant by voting for the project online.

“Our idea is one that is truly unique. It brings together community, kids and bats,” states the group on the website.

The club states grant funding will be used to help in the renovation and restoration of the historic Primary School. Reasons given for voting in favour of the project include:

• The building will become a permanent home for children and youth programs and services (through the Boys and Girls Club);
• A permanent home for the chamber of commerce/Visitor Information Centre;
• A home for the large colony of Yuma myotis bats that roost in the school building’s attic during the summer months.

The project is considered large by Aviva Community Fund standards and the club is asking for between $100,000 and $150,000 from the granting organization.

As of Wednesday afternoon, the Peachland Primary School Restoration Project had received 252 votes, rating its popularity far below other projects.

Current voting ends on Wednesday, November 9 at 9 a.m. Anyone wishing to vote should go to www.avivacommunityfund.org