Two youth focused projects developing in Drumheller may get an unexpected, but much needed boost from a program neither had anticipated.
    Projects to build a new skateboard park and playground at St. Anthony’s in-construction school may benefit from an Aviva Insurance Community Fund competition, after a bid has been entered by a St. Anthony’s school staff member.
    Louise Henrickson, on behalf of Practical Learning Activities for Youth, has entered the Aviva Community Fund competition which has set aside $100,000-500,000 to a community cause which receives the most votes online.
    They need help in boosting numbers.
    Her proposal idea in the competition is to split the money winnings between the playground and skateboard park.
    “Between a skateboard park and playground, they’re really positive benefits to our community,” says Henrickson. “It’s places that don’t cost money, where they can go to have fun and hang out.”
    Drumheller lost its skateboard park, the location at least, with the construction of the Badlands Community Facility.
    Funding for the construction of the new St. Anthony’s school on North Dinosaur Trail does not cover an outdoor playground area, and fundraising is already taking place to purchase a new play area.
    “They both will greatly enhance the lives of the families within our community. We are also a tourist town and this would be an added benefit for visitors who are looking for healthy activities for their families. Please help make our dreams come true and make a difference now and for the years to come,” Henrickson says.
    The idea was submitted on October 14, and as the competition moves on, ‘ideas’ with the most votes will carry on to further rounds, and the hope is the PLAY cause in Drumheller will make it to the semi-final rounds. Of the 90 semi-finalists, the top 30 who garner the most votes will be pushed into the final “judging” round, where winners will be picked for three budget categories (PLAY is in the top, most expensive, tier).
    The initial voting period began Round 2 on Monday, and as of Monday night, PLAY had only received one vote. They need help to boost support to make the push into the semi-finals.
    As of Wednesday, 8 days remain until Round 2 ends.
    Voting can be done at www.avivacommunityfund.org