Amber Valley companies donate 50k for Alfreton Park Community Special School' s new outdoor play
Rotary Amber Valley have worked with seven locally based companies to make a significant contribution of £50,000 towards Alfreton Park Community Special School’s new outdoor play area project - which is set to open in 2021 alongside its new school building.
Fitness equipment of the type to be installed
Alfreton Park School specialises in supporting over 100 children and young people with both mental and physical disabilities and Derbyshire County Council recently committed £12m of funding to the construction of a new school, work beginning in May 2021.
However, the funds for the new school did not cover the £55,000 needed to build and equip outdoor play area with specialist equipment - crucial for the children's learning and development. When Rotary Amber Valley heard about the plight of Alfreton Park’s outdoor area and the difference it will make to the students, it was decided to make a huge effort to raise money to make a project-changing contribution.
Rotary project manager Neil Vaughan, who initially made contact with the companies about donations towards the project, is delighted to see local businesses coming to the aid of Alfreton Park School to transform its dreams into reality with the £55,000 total required now successfully secured. “The response we’ve had from our appeal has been overwhelming and we owe the local community of Alfreton and the wider network of businesses across Derbyshire a huge debt of thanks” says Neil. "The companies’ donation of £50,000 together with a Rotary donation of £5000 towards the play area and the difference this money will make to the children cannot be undervalued. They have to battle with a range of disabilities on a daily basis and as part of their learning experience, it’s crucial that they have somewhere safe and secure outside where they can interact, learn and grow,”
The companies involved are:
Garner Holdings Ltd, Ripley, Lockwoods Haulage Ltd, Derbyshire, Mining Machine Developments) (MMD) Ltd, Ripley
Peveril Homes, Belper, Sladen Estates Ltd, South Normanton, Smith Cooper Financial Services, Derby, Tubesheet Ltd, Ripley
Representatives of the companies and school were guests of Rotary Amber Valley recently at the Ormonde Fields Bar and Restaurant, Codnor. The companies were thanked on behalf of the school by headteacher, Cheryle Smart who said, “On behalf of the children and the school I extend a heartfelt thanks to the businesses and Rotary for this incredible donation. The school are engaged in programmes to help the children’s mobility and the equipment you are providing will really support the children across the whole age range up 19 years.”
Directors of the donating companies and other rotarians flank
Rotary Project Manager Neil Vaughan being thanked by
school headteacher Cheryl Smart and Business Manager Rebecca Dallman
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