Fundraising for the Burleigh Falls beautification project is off to a good start, but organizers say there is a long way to go and are hopeful more will participate to raise funds for the project, which is hoped to be completed by 2025.
Stephanie Doughty started the community project in August to bring attention to the Indigenous community of Burleigh Falls, which she says is in need of a new ball diamond, and eventually a new community centre and playground equipment for area youth.
“So far, our fundraising is doing ok. Right now we are holding an online raffle with some really great prizes and it’s only $5 a ticket. Prizes range from Indigenous art to a complete meal from KFC,” says Doughty. “There’s an online store done by one of our community members which has images of Burleigh Falls placed on pin-on buttons, coasters and golf balls, and other cool suff,” she adds. Doughty says 10 per cent of the sales are donated to the beautification project.
In the coming months Doughty says she is looking forward to events planned for youth and parents.
“We have a haunted walk planned for Halloween and we have a bake sale coming up in November. For the haunted walk, we have made sure all COVID-19 safety protocols are followed,” she adds.
Doughty says children will get a goody bag that was donated by Burleigh Falls Inn, something Jennifer Craig, general manager of Burleigh Falls Inn, says they were happy to help and is a way of giving back to the community.
“We’ve made100 goody bags and put in traditional Halloween candy, along with other items such as little note pads, a pencil, ruler, stuff like that. “I’m a firm believer Halloween is not all about chocolate,” laughs Craig.
Doughty says the project committee removed The GoFundMe fundraising campaign stating they are focusing on traditional methods to raise money for the project. “We might start the campaign back up again next year, we’ll see how things go,” says Doughty. She says she has yet to reach out the the Municipality of Trent Lakes to inquire about their options.
“It’s on our list to call them.”
Natalie Hamilton, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Peterborough This Week
