Local Journalism Initiative
Community members donate to Shelburne splash pad
Substantial donations are on the way towards a significant project in Shelburne. The Rotary Club of Shelburne has raised $10,000 to the Shelburne Splash Pad. This is part of a $30,000 commitment. “It is a great way to get kids and families in the community outside and get fresh air and exercise,” said Sandra Gallaugher, chair of the Rotary Club of Shelburne. “There are playgrounds in most parks, and a splash pad is just something to add on. A splash pad is fully accessible to all ages and in the hot summer can be a lot of fun to cool off in.” A fundraiser for the splash pad has raised well over $100,000 with a goal of $300,000. It is anticipated to be located at Greenwood Park, with an opening scheduled for Summer 2022. The club joins Shelburne Family Chiropractic and the Town of Shelburne to contribute $30,000 or more towards it. Other significant donors include KTH Shelburne, Main Street Family Dental and Flato Developments Inc. She emphasized the importance of the whole community raising funds for the project rather than just one club. “We want the whole community to come together and donate or have an event,” said Gallaugher. “Everyone then will feel they have ownership in it.” The club will be hosting a golf tournament to raise more funds. Realtors Amber Borger of Save Max Supreme Real Estate Inc. and Lynda Buffett of Royal Le Page RCR Realty will donate $500 each for every house sold. “As a councillor, I want the splash pad, and as a member of the rotary club, we are determined to make sure we have the money raised to have it there by next year,” said Buffett. Buffett has clients that are ready to list. She plans to close deals which she said could happen in late spring or the summer. She has no set amount to raise, trying to contribute as much as she can. “Once I have commissioned, $500 of that will go to the Rotary Club to their charitable trust, and it gets held in an account for the splash pad,” said Buffett. “I’m also a Rotarian, so it’s something I’m familiar with.” She said many people don’t know whether to list now or wait longer, concerned they can’t find a home elsewhere with an active seller’s market now. “Inventory is now increasing because of a spring market, but right now, from January and on, there just have been 10 to 15 houses for sale in Shelburne, and then within a week they’re gone,” said Buffett. Donation jars for the splash pad have also been placed at businesses, a coupon book has been developed, and an online home décor website has been established. “This year, we have the golf tournament coming up on June 10, a movie in the park and a tribute to Dolly Parton Concert on August 8 at Fiddle Park (drive-in),” said Gallaugher. “We have businesses and individuals having events that will raise money for the splash pad, such as a marathon, quilt raffle, kids’ festival, bottle drive, plant sales and some that are just being planned.” Joshua Santos, Local Journalism Initiative reporter, Orangeville Banner
