We now have PayPal

If you would like to donate it's as easy as a click of a button! press GIVE and donate today!

Funding boost for J.L. Jordan project - Brockville Recorder and Times - Ontario,

Brockville Recorder and Times Article

Funding boost for J.L. Jordan project

By MEGAN BURKE THE RECORDER AND TIMES

Posted 9 hours ago

Come May 5, 2012, J.L. Jordan Catholic School's yard is getting an extreme facelift.

The school's gymnasium was packed with parents and board members Thursday afternoon where it was announced the school's project, officially named Legacy Project, has been awarded a grant that will double their fundraising dollars.
J.L. Jordan has so far raised over $13,000 towards the Legacy Project, which carries an estimated price tag of $75,000 and has been in the back of school staff's minds for a couple of years now, before learning they would receive a dollar-to-dollar matched grant through the Let Them Be Kids organization.
Let Them Be Kids is an international, non-profit organization that acts as a catalyst in creating strong communities through building playgrounds in areas of need.
The Legacy Project was one of only 30 projects in Canada selected for 2012.
The Brockville Award Video, created by the Let Them Be Kids organization, was played to the large crowd in the school's gymnasium.
"Every once in a while we are impressed. Every once in a while we get a special application that stands out," the video said.
"(J. L. Jordan) wanted to develop something great for the students, but also a place for the community... we're going to help you. We're going to do that extreme makeover in one day."
There's a lot of work to be done between now and May 5.
The proposed refurbishing of the schoolyard goes beyond merely providing a new structure for students to enjoy during recess. The proposal for the Legacy Project also includes a walking path, amphitheatre, benches, a sunshade, new trees and a gazebo that can be used as an outdoor classroom.
To further include the students in the project, they will have a say in the design of the new play structure. In the third week of January, on a day dubbed "dotmocracy," every student will be given three dots to put on a large poster board which is set up with every sort of element that can go into a play structure. The students will be able to place their dots on anything they want to see on the new structure.

The goal for the Legacy Project is to raise a total of $75,000 in cash, materials and services.

Moving forward, the school is seeking to partner with a number of community members through a Legacy tree campaign to help provide services and materials to complete the project. The school has also applied for a number of grants and continues to seek community support through fundraising and sponsorships.
Every step of the Legacy Project will be tracked on the school's website, www.jljordan.ca,where people may donate online, see an updated list of requests for specific materials or services as project plans are developed, or offer time as a volunteer on the big day.
For the Legacy Project Build Day Event, May 5, the school estimates needing at least 200 people to participate for it to be successful. Special skills are not required and registration to participate can also be done by contacting the school.
Throughout the remainder of the school year, J.L. Jordan will be hosting monthly fundraisers to continue the momentum while engaging students in the effort to become a part of a legacy.
mburke@recorder.ca

BIG NEWS

Today at JL Jordan school we announced our BIG NEWS! We have been awarded a national award from Let Them Be Kids!  It isn't just an award, it is a partnership with an organization who takes play serious.  They offer a matching initiative which means every dollar we raise will become 2 dollars in buying power! They support us every step of our project and ensure we have what we need to succeed.   A year ago a dream was just a dream, today it is a reality thanks to Let Them Be Kids! This isn't just a school wide initiative, it is a community project.  The project is set to build a new playstructure, outdoor learning facilities, walking path surrounded by trees and a peace garden that will enhance learning of the children in our school and community. We couldn't be happier with the progress, but still have money to raise.  Check us out on facebook and send it to everyone you know, lets spread the word and show what our community can do! Put May 5th, 2012 on your calendar and click on JOIN THE EFFORT and help us LEAVE A LEGACY!

Out with the old...

In order for new beginnings, we must say goodbye to the past.  On November 30th, 2011 JL Jordan School said goodbye to their old playstructure! Here are some photos of the playstructure being removed!

Yard Legacy Project Concert - Saturday, January 21, 7:00 p.m.

We are most excited to announce that local musician Chris Coyea has agreed to host a benefit concert in honour of our project.  J.L. Jordan choir will also be singing at this event which will be held at the First Presbyterian Church.  This will be a MAJOR FUNDRAISING EFFORT for us.  Tickets will be available before and after our Christmas concerts on Wednesday, December 21st and Thursday December 22nd at 1:30 p.m.

"Walk Against Bullying" Walk A Thon

We raised $3,208!  Forty two children enjoyed a pizza party on Friday, November 25 for raising more than $50 each.  Thanks so much to these students for working hard and raising all of this money towards their play structure.

Halloween Fundraiser:

On Saturday October 29 we had a successful afternoon movie where the kids enjoyed a movie and some snacks.  The event raised over $250.00 and we look forward to hosting a similar event in December.