A community-driven donation has helped get the ball rolling on a $70,000 project to install an all-weather multisport turf at Winchester Rural School.
Last week Ballance Agri-Nutrients gave $1000 to the project, which aims to convert the school’s asphalt court into an all-weather multisport turf.
Turf committee member Sarah Portman said through consistent fundraising efforts the PTA had some additional funds and had been looking to undertake a ‘‘meaningful project with long term value’’.
‘‘Through coaching basketball and netball with the kids, I realised how slippery the court was even if it had just been drizzling.
‘‘The lines were faded, we had incomplete goals and I thought how good a multisport turf would be at school.
‘‘So I suggested the multisport turf idea, we gathered turf quotes, consulted teachers, parents and kids, and they were keen. The board was supportive and everyone could see the benefit an all-weather multisport turf would bring to the school — and to the community.’’
As the neighbouring Winchester Domain had been sitting unused for many years, the school’s court was the only one the wider community could also use, she said.
‘‘We knew people came to have a hit of tennis or throw a basketball around after school, as well as in the weekends and holidays, so we were keen for that facility to be more functional for everyone to use.
‘‘Being all-weather and multisport it gets kids off wet and muddy grass areas but makes it so they can still play organised sports, such as netball, basketball, tennis.
‘‘It will also have goals for mini games of hockey, football, pickleball and be used for PE lessons and an alternative classroom learning space,’’ Mrs Portman said.
The PTA had provided 35% of the $70,000 needed, she said.
‘‘We need our funding secured by the end of July for us to achieve our October holidays installation goal.
‘‘We have applied for grants and are now seeking business sponsorship and donations.
‘‘This next six weeks is a big push to do that.’’
They were lucky to be a part of a very supportive community and were very thankful to Ballance Agri-Nutrients for the recent donation, she said.
Ballance account manager Alison Murney said the gift stemmed from local farmers using the self-service fertiliser silos in nearby Factory Rd.
‘‘Farmers can collect fertiliser there during business or out of business hours, which makes it really valuable because they don’t have to rush to the town shop or the distribution place.
‘‘For every tonne that we distribute from the silos we contribute a dollar back to the community.
‘‘Those who take the fertiliser from the silos vote for who they want to give the donation to.
‘‘In the past we have given two lots of $1000 to the local [Hato Hone] St John but this time the community decided to donate the money to this great cause.’’
It was very important as a rural-focused organisation to give back to rural communities, she said.
‘‘Farming is a rural community-based activity and it means that we can be part of the community and give back to the community.
‘‘We have silos across all of Canterbury and this [initiative] happens across all the various districts.
‘‘Over a season we can give up to $15,000.’’
Anyone wishing to support the project or learn more can do so by emailing [email protected], calling the school or messaging the Winchester Rural School Turf Project page on Facebook.
