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Parksville splash park donor makes waves

Local TD Canada Trust branches top $5,000 in contribution
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TD Canada Trust branches in Parksville and Qualicum Beach donated a cheque for $5,650 to the Parksville Lions Club and Rotary Club of Parksville AM on Oct.26, to be used toward the new splash park at Community Park. From left, John O’Brien, Rotary Club of Parksville AM; James Barrand, Parksville Lions Club; Jim Kupiak, Parksville branch manager, TD Canada Trust; Mike Garland, Parksville Lions Club; Trish Illingworth, Qualicum Beach branch manager, TD Canada Trust; Kim Basara, City of Parksville; Gord Svenson, Rotary Club of Parksville AM. — Photo submitted by City of Parksville

The Parksville splash park project received a substantial boost of support from TD Canada Trust, which donated $5,650 to the Parksville Lions Club and the Rotary Club of Parksville AM Oct. 26, the City of Parksville announced last week. The “King Tide” sponsorship was announced on by TD Canada Trust Parksville branch manager, James Kupiak and Trish Illingworth, TD Canada Trust Qualicum Beach branch, during its presentation of a cheque to Lions and Rotary club representatives.

The two local organizations are teaming to raise $100,000 of the $300,000 budgeted for replacement of the existing splash park infrastructure.

“We continue to be astounded at the community support for the splash park project,” said Mayor Lefebvre. “Our sincere thanks to TD Canada Trust for this significant contribution and for stepping up in such a generous way.”

The new splash park will cost about $300,000, which will include dismantling of the existing spray park, waterlines, drain infrastructure, new equipment to meet current regulations, new surface or pad, equipment installation, signage, landscaping and commissioning. The City will contribute $200,000 and the Rotary and Lions have committed to raising $100,000 from the community, including their own club contributions.

The cheque presentation by the two local TD Canada Trust branch managers represented an Island-wide contribution by the company.

“The donation provided by TD Canada Trust was the culmination of all 26 branches on Vancouver Island supporting this initiative,” said TD Canada Trust branch manager, James Kupiak. “The Splash Park project is near and dear to all the employees at TD Canada Trust as our children, as well as our grandchildren, have all used the park at various times over the last 25 years.”

The City is grateful for the commitment of the Rotary and Lions Clubs to ensure the success of this project and to the businesses, organizations and individuals in our community for their support of this important fundraising project to make a new splash park a reality for the Oceanside region.

Donations to the splash park project may be made online through Canada Helps, linked from www.parksvillesplashpark.com, the city said in a written news release. The site also offers sponsorship opportunities, project updates, ongoing fundraising initiatives and how people can help with the project.

Any funds raised above the amount needed for construction will be used to assist with ongoing maintenance of the new splash park.

— NEWS staff and City of Parksville submission