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Natural playground among plans for funds raised at upcoming Comox Valley Child Development Association Telethon

On Sunday, Nov. 3, the Comox Valley Child Development Association (CVCDA) will host its 44th Annual Children’s Telethon at the Sid Williams Theatre from noon to 8 p.m.
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On Sunday, Nov. 3, the Comox Valley Child Development Association (CVCDA) will host its 44th Annual Children’s Telethon at the Sid Williams Theatre from noon to 8 p.m.

Each year the Telethon raises funds contributing to the overall operating costs of the CVCDA including, the 13 different programs operating under their umbrella.

This year there is one additional project the CVCDA has its eye on achieving with funds raised from the annual Telethon. The plans are to build on its existing outdoor play space realized through the generous fundraising of the Comox Valley McHappy Day and evolving it into a natural playground. This will be a space designed to make use of existing topography and natural materials and create an open-ended outdoor play area for children to make discoveries and interact with their environment.

A natural playground will allow kids to further develop many important skills and, unlike traditional plastic style playgrounds, they can be more welcoming for children with diverse abilities.

“It’s a bit of a dream for us here to be able to provide these little extras for our kids with a unique outdoor space, while also rounding out our facilities here at the CVCDA,” said executive director, Joanne Schroeder.

The context of this new play space would provide an additional resource for the CVCDA’s child development professionals for achieving the goals of their various clients by encouraging imaginative play, improving social skills and aiding in the development of motor skills.

The design of the natural playground will involve bringing nature to the children’s daily outdoor play and learning environment. The CVCDA plans to incorporate the surrounding landscape and vegetation including boulders, logs, and a water feature. It also plans to apply the loose parts play concept providing the opportunity for more kinds of play than occurs with standard play equipment. Also, children can experiment with their physical and creative abilities by manipulating found loose objects. These playground accessories can consist of both natural and created materials such as rock piles, leaves, tires, sand and can take on the form of whatever is imagined.

For those interested in supporting the CVCDA and the natural playground initiative, there are a number of ways to contribute to this year’s Telethon fundraising goals. The 2019 silent auction is now open for bidding online or you can bid in person during the Telethon. Supporters are also encouraged to make a pledge during the Telethon, where there will be volunteers ready to take your calls (250-334-9200) and receive your donations in person throughout the live Shaw Spotlight broadcast. Donations can additionally be made any time before or after the Telethon via the CVCDA website or through the main reception (237 – Third Street, 250-338-4288). And finally, by purchasing tickets in the annual raffle, with one of two prizes to be won including a return flight for two anywhere WestJet flies, or a deluxe raffle basket valued at $2,900. Visit CVCDA.CA for ticket locations and all other details.

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