By Helena Adeloju
Pakenham Heights Kindergarten has received a welcome boost to its playground restoration fundraising efforts.
Barry Plant Real Estate agent Terri Fellows presented a giant cheque for $500 to the kindergarten on Friday 28 April.
“I just want to do whatever I can to help the Pakenham community because these children are our future,” Ms Fellows said.
The donation comes after Cardinia council notified the kindergarten earlier this year that much of the original playground equipment was no longer safe.
The 40-year-old wooden playground is currently cordoned off until enough money can be raised to restore or replace it.
The old play equipment has been used by hundreds of children over the past four decades with little or no maintainence.
Pakenham Heights Kindergarten fundraising committee member Emma Spoard, whose son Thomas attends the kindergarten, said the existing wooden equipment needs to be repaired.
The fort and hill area of the playground, which was a much loved site for the kids’ games, is currently out of bounds because of splintered wood and protruding nails.
“The children love the fort, it’s definitely a favourite for them,” she said.
Ms Spoard said the fort and the hill area will be an instant hit with the kids when enough money has been raised to complete the work.
For now the kids are making do with playing on the slides and monkey bars.
Ms Spoard said the playground project relies on donations and fundraising.
“We are incredibly grateful for Ms Fellows’ generous donation,” she said.
To contribute to the Pakenham Heights Kindergarten fundraising effort, contact Pakenham Heights Kindergarten on 5941 1857.
