Corey and Malory Conners Family Fund provides $10K donation
Westfield school launches fundraising efforts for new playground equipment
North Perth Westfield Elementary School’s (NPWES) student population is on the rise, and with that growth comes the need for new and upgraded playground amenities.
A volunteer school committee has been tasked with fundraising for the playground equipment overhaul, a two-phase project estimated to cost approximately $300,000. Phase one consists of installation of a new swing bay (includes two accessible swings) and two new ‘Gaga ball’ pits – a game similar to dodgeball that is played within a sided enclosure. The pits also feature fully-accessible doors.
Corey and Malory Conners dropped by Westfield on Monday, June 27 to announce a $10,000 donation to aid in the fundraising process. The contribution will be allocated towards the first phase of the project that is estimated to cost around $41,000, with committee members hopeful it will be completed early in the next school year in the fall.
“We split it so that the first stage was more affordable, and we can hopefully get it in as soon as possible,” commented committee co-chair Kara Greydanus. She added that the existing playground equipment at Westfield was all brought over from the former Central Public School
prior to NPWES’s opening in 2016.
“We have three swings for 650 kids right now.”
The Conners’ donation was made through the Corey and Malory Conners Family Fund, managed in trust by the Stratford Perth Community Foundation. NPWES also received a $2,500 grant from the North Perth Smart & Caring Community Fund to support the project.
“It’s really special to be able to do this, especially here, in a place where I taught,” commented Malory, a Central Public School alumnus and former Westfield supply teacher. “We know how much the kids will be able to benefit from it. We’re happy to do it.”
“We’re fortunate enough to be able to give back to help kids in the local community in sports, recreation and education,” added Corey. “It covers a lot of our passions, and it ties everything really well together. I was fortunate to be very active and loved being outside playing lots of different things when I was younger.
“To be able to help give kids the opportunity to do that as well is great.”
New Stratford Perth Community Foundation Board Chair Mae Brooks was happy to help announce the donation on behalf of her organization, especially being from Listowel herself and seeing the benefits of contributions like those from Corey and Malory firsthand.
“We’re excited to be partnered with Corey and Malory,” she said. “I think it’s an amazing opportunity, and it’s amazing that they have given back to their community and started a fund with the Stratford Perth Community
Foundation. “It’s a gift that will obviously continue to support the community in the years to come.”
The second phase of the NPWES outdoor revamping project includes adding more playground equipment while utilizing natural elements to enhance both play and education for students.
Despite a hectic PGA Tour schedule, Corey and Malory Conners were able to take some time visiting at home in June, and also had the opportunity to announce a $10,000 grant towards the ongoing North Perth Westfield Elementary School playground equipment revamping project. Westfield also received a $2,500 grant from the North Perth Smart & Caring Community Fund to support the project on June 27.
Pictured, from left: Westfield Principal Anne Copeland, Stratford Perth Community Foundation Board Chair Mae Brooks, Corey and Malory Conners, and Westfield fundraising committee co-chairs Kara Greydanus and Kendall Behrns.