Frequently Asked Questions
Why are we doing this project?
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The playground replacement at Earl Grey Elementary School is being prompted by the mandated removal of the existing playground by the Calgary Board of Education (CBE) as it is nearing the end of its safe lifespan in accordance with CBE standards.
In the fall of 2023, CBE informed Earl Grey School Principal, Mr. Lowe, that it was time to start the process to replace the playground.
How will you come up with design?
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A group of dedicated parents with relevant expertise will review various playground initiatives, gather input from stakeholders and will work with CBE approved vendors to design a playground that incorporates as much of the input gathered and is in compliance with CBE and the Canadian Standards Association (CSA).
When will the new playground be installed and ready for play?
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The committee is working to confirm the project timeline, however we are aiming to have shovels in the ground in the summer of 2025, with the playground ready for the 2025-2026 school year.
Who is responsible for the cost of the project?
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In short, Earl Grey parents and community. CBE is not responsible for funding nor installing new playgrounds. However, CBE will remove the existing playground and maintain the playground once it is installed.
To assist with this responsibility, we are grateful to have been approved for the Project Support Program with Parks Foundation Calgary which provides fund administration and the issuance of tax receipts.
How much will it cost?
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The project cost is budgeted at $480,000, pending confirmation of vendor quotes, design and CBE requirements.
Our goal is to raise $200,000 in grants and $230,000 in new individual, community, and corporate donations, that would be added to the almost $50,000 in legacy donations previously raised.
Why is the budget $480 000?
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To ensure the playground meets the needs and input from the Earl Grey School students, parents, teachers and community, the playground committee have included a new rubber ground surface in the budget. This line item alone makes up 25% of the budget, with a cost of approximately $125,000. While this is an expensive component of the playground it has been identified as a top priority in all survey results. It is also one of only a few options that are permitted within the CBE specifications for the playground.
To replace the existing playground with one of a comparable size the cost of the play structure will be approximately $200,000-250,000.
Additional costs include but are not limited to: installation, seating, landscaping, bike racks, garbage and recycling cans, and a small allocation for general project expenses.
What happens if we don't raise all the funds?
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If we have not raised all the funds by January 2025 then the playground committee will review and adjust the project size, scope and timeline.
CBE will remove the playground in the next two to three years, even if we are unable to replace it. All funds raised at that time would be applied to a revised playground or play area scope that matched the amount of funds raised.
What is a legacy donation?
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In 2018, a group of Earl Grey parents, along with parent council, initiated a project to upgrade the playground and its surrounding areas and walkways. A significant amount of work was done and a couple of weeks after the fundraising was launched in 2020, the pandemic shut everything down.
In the short period of fundraising in 2020, almost $50,000 was raised and has been held by Parks Foundation Calgary on behalf of Earl Grey for playground improvements.
We are very thankful for the groundwork that started in 2018 and the initial funds that were raised in 2020 as they provide a strong starting point today. In recognition of this foresight and support, we respectfully refer to the initial donors and volunteers as legacy donors in current fundraising.
What are your donation levels and recognition opportunities?
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Below are the benefits associated with each level of donation:
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Super Supporter • Donations up to $499
Receive a tax receipt for on-line donations $25 and up, plus recognition in project communications and website.
Builder • Donations from $500 to $2,999
Receive a tax receipt, recognition in project communications and website, plus etch your name or message in a brick that will be placed on the school grounds.
Major Donors • Donation Range: $3,000+
Receive a tax receipt, recognition in project communications and website, plus name/company name on a recognition plaque.
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Where will the engraved brick feature and recognition plaque go?
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After our fundraising campaign closes and the project design is approved, we will finalize the location of the brick feature and recognition plaque.Where will the engraved brick feature and recognition plaque go?
Will you accept corporate and in kind donations?
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Yes. We welcome corporate and in kind contributions.
If you are interested in making a corporate donation or if your employer has an employee donation matching program or other philanthropic initiative, we would be happy to provide more information and assist as needed.
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If you are interested in making an in kind donation or non-cash donation of stocks or securities, we would be happy to discuss your contribution further.
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Please use the Contact Us page on the website to reach out.
Can we use our casino fundraiser money?
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Yes, we can use the funds raised at the bi-annual casino fundraiser. We are sensitive to ensuring that the range of important activities that the casino funds typically support for our students are sustained. So, we are running an additional fundraising campaign specifically for the playground.
Is the Parent council supporting the project​?
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Yes. The Earl Grey Parent Association, also known as Parent Council, is supportive of this project and has contributed to it with time, resources and funding.
The playground committee is a subcommittee of the Parent Council.
Are donations eligible for a tax receipt?
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Yes! All donations of $25 or more will receive a tax receipt, provided a valid email address is provided with your donation.
Tax receipts will be issued by Parks Foundation Calgary.
Who are Parks Foudnation Calgary and why are they involved in the project?
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For more than 30 years Parks Foundation Calgary (PFC) has been a catalyst in creating parks through partnerships, connecting donors and partners with park and sport projects. PFC offers programs and services that help communities create parks, sports areas and community spaces.
The Earl Grey Playground has been granted support through PFC’s Project Support Program. The program offers free accounting services and a direction partnership with Parks Foundation. This includes receiving donations on behalf of the project, issuing tax receipts, processing payments, financial reporting and project support.
My employer will match my donation or make a donation and requires the Parks Foundations CRA Registration number. How do I get it?
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The Parks Foundation is a contract agent and partner to the City of Calgary. As such, they do not have a CRA registration number, but they can issue tax receipts, just like the City of Calgary.
The Parks Foundation will issue your employer a tax receipt for their donation.
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Here is the response provided by the Parks Foundation Calgary:
“This is a question that we get very frequently. Unfortunately, we are not a CRA registered charity and because of this do not have a CRA number. In fact, as a contract agent and civic partner to the City of Calgary, we are treated as a municipality under the Income Tax Act of Canada (sometimes referred to as a “Para-municipality”). This gives us the same right as the City of Calgary to issue tax receipts.”
How can I let the playground committee know about a potential donor?
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Nothing beats a personal connection. If you have a personal connection with a potential donor, we encourage you to share this website, QR code or the poster available to download at the bottom of the home page. Then follow up with the person to share why you thought of them and why the project is important to you. Please provide the online link and QR code to make a donation or cheque writing information as well.
If you would like additional information or would like someone on the playground committee to reach out to your connection please use the Contact Us page to let us know. Thank you.
Have a question not listed here?
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Submit your question via our Contact Us form, you guessed it - below!