Ian Hill - LTBK Clarenville Project Overview
Kind people, love of community and strong spirit - those were the things I'll never forget about Let Them Be Kids when it came to Clarenville. A community whose people had such a strong sense of hospitality, from high school students to community leaders, this is a special place that I will never forget.
On the first evening with student leaders, there was a strong feeling of their desire to make a difference. The ecumenical rally showed the heart of the community and the strength of its faith. The Business leaders' breakfast and Public leaders forum were marked by people willing to change and wanting to pitch in to build a better tomorrow. Our time at Clarenville High School was amazing, with students committing to building a new skate park. The NLRPA conference was a great chance to see friends from the past and make new ones, all with a commitment to building a stronger Newfoundland and Labrador, through recreation, parks and its power and potential.
One week later, the day of the playground build was wonderful. With the town's Mayor leading the charge, people came together - teens, business people, educators and citizens alike, pitching in to do something very special. Over 200 volunteers built a playground and created a memory that will last forever.
On July 1st, the playground was officially dedicated to the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces. Veterans Memorial Playground is a monument to their service, and acts as a reminder that the only way to thank them for their sacrifice is by "doing something" to make the world better.
There were personal written commitments and a strong sense of caring, but most of all there was people giving of themselves to build a better community. Thank you to all those who organized, helped and worked - you changed your community. In the end, I returned to my home and they returned to theirs, but it is I who am better for having been to Clarenville!
-Ian Hill, North America Chair, Let Them Be Kids
|
