The Delia School Enhancement Society (DSES) has topped the $1 million mark and nothing is slowing down its fundraising efforts for the new Delia School and community hub.
The Mail reported in August the society kicked off its fundraising campaign to raise $1.2 million. In March of this year, the Alberta government announced it would be replacing the Delia School, and the DSES was formed to support the school and make a community hub a reality.
A commitment of $120,000 was made to retain a ‘brick and mortar’ in-school library space which will also house the Delia Municipal Library and will either retain or exceed the existing library’s size. Secondly, a $450,000 multi-purpose learning space for both teachers and the community which will be optimized to be used as a classroom, drama, music, art, and fitness area. Further, $630,000 will be used to upgrade the provincial regulation courts into a bigger space which can be used by both the school and by the community for extra-curricular/community events after school hours.
Fundraising has gone well and the society is sitting at about $1.07 Million, 89 per cent of its campaign goal.
“It was a huge milestone,” said DSES president Amber Marshall.
Last week the society announced it went live with a website complete with a portal allowing supporters to make donations online.
The website outlines a number of ways to show your support whether it is through its Legacy Builder campaign with a one-time donation of $1,000 to $10,000, or a recurring gift. The portal is credit card friendly and donors can receive a tax receipt. They are looking at alumni, former teachers, and community supporters.
Another fundraising initiative they are undertaking is the AG for Ed campaign. They have received a donation of a calf from Shiloh Cattle Company and the Eleanor Rosin family, and are planning to auction it off at the Spring Gala on April 6.
“We are off to a strong start, but we need more helping hands to make this work,” said Nicole Devalariola, DSES Ag for Ed. “Raising a quality beef calf needs the right ingredients. We have a fantastic beginning with Shiloh Cattle’s calf - sourced from their award-winning Angus herd. Now we want to make sure this fella turns into a big beefy prize animal. That means lots of quality feed and a big commitment from our 4H family.”
Once they hit their $1.2 million goal, they will continue with their efforts.
“The $1.2 million actually goes to the 9,000 square feet we are adding for the community hub. We are building that piece. But the analogy is, great, you build a beautiful house, but what if you don’t have any money to furnish that house?” she explains.
Some of the items they continue to work towards may include bleachers, score clock, a sound system, program support and to develop the green spaces around the facility including a community garden and playground.
“This is the long-term role of the enhancement society to enhance Delia School. It is amazing that we have raised the $1.2 million but our real job for the next 20 years is to keep enhancing the programming capabilities of our school and community hub so we can offer amazing programs and develop our community and lifelong learners,” said Marshall.
To learn more go to www.dses.ca