At the CSA Christmas Craft Fair on Sunday, Dec. 4, the CSA will be launching a new fundraising initiative for the Bowen Island Community School (BICS) Community Playground upgrade.
Local artist Diana Izdebski (Art by Di) has donated her time to create the artwork for the reusable shopping bags available for purchase at the Craft Fair. All proceeds from these bags will go towards the BICS Community Playground upgrade.
Diana says that Katherine Gish, a CSA board member since 2005, approached her with the idea to use a cherry tree in bloom as they are an iconic part of the BICS playground and they also symbolize growth, rejuvenation and youthful energy. Diana says, “every part of the tree symbolizes our community contributors: from a solid foundation found in the large trunk and supporting branches out to the numerous smaller branches, leaves and blossoms.” Diana wanted the tree to be playful with the swing and uplifting dancing branches reflecting the happiness and joy to be found in a well-loved community playground.
The Bowen Island Community School acts as a hub for the entire island and a central area in this hub is the playground. The playground is enthusiastically used by over 330 students during the school day and is busy before and after school and on evenings and weekends year-round. The playground is a gathering place for toddlers, parents, grandparents, and friends after school, in the evenings, on the weekends and during other organized community events, which occur at BICS. The BICS playground is truly an island-wide community playground. It is where we gather together!
The CSA is taking the lead role in fundraising to add three new pieces to the community playground: an all-ages multi-play slide, climb and communication centre, a twisting metal rail climber and an all-ages and play-spectrum, cozy dome. The goal is to have the new playground pieces in place by Spring 2017 and the CSA wish to do all they possibly can to achieve this.
With the help of many community groups, organizations and individuals the CSA raised $18,232 during the 2015/16 year! They are half way to their fundraising goal, so the CSA is welcoming any and all donations and financial support. Any donation over $25 is eligible for a tax receipt. If you wish to make a donation please contact Katherine Gish at [email protected].
Your first opportunity to purchase one of these beautiful reusable shopping bags and to show your support for the BICS Community Playground upgrade is at the CSA Christmas Craft Fair at BICS on Sunday, Dec. 4 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Diana Izdebski will also have a booth at the CSA Christmas Craft Fair so please make sure to visit her table.
PHOTO: Frazer Elliott, Diana Izdebski, Katherine Gish
Meribeth Deen, photo
