CARSTAIRS – The Hugh Sutherland School Enhancement Foundation kicked off fundraising efforts for a new playground at the Carstairs grades 5-12 school with a recent golf tournament.
The July 25 event and silent auction at the Carstairs Golf Club is expected to net approximately $7,000 toward the society’s next project at the school.
The golf tournament was a first for the Hugh Sutherland School Enhancement Foundation and it went well, said foundation member Jen Massop.
“For our first one we’re super, super excited. We had no rain and everyone looks like they had fun,” Massop said.
Two years ago, she said a new foundation board “stepped in with a bold vision to expand our mission and re-imagine how we support the Hugh Sutherland School community.”
She said the goal was simple.
“To lift the burden of fundraising from teachers and students and invite the entire community to be part of the solution.”
To that end, board members had some instruction in fundraising which helped them carry out the kick-off to the playground fundraiser. Golf tourney participants and sponsors came from all around, including Calgary, said Massop.
Chinook’s Edge School Division will be decommissioning Hugh Sutherland’s existing playground in 2026.
The foundation estimates a new playground could cost between $500,000 and $1.2 million.
"The creation of an accessible playground will ensure every child - student or visitor - has the chance to play, explore and thrive," Massop said.
