What does HOPE look like to you?
For us at Playground Builders, it's a group of exuberant kids playing on a newly constructed playground. We are dedicated to building hope from the ground up in the midst of war-torn areas such as Afghanistan, Iraq and the Palestinian Territories. Working with local businesses and non-profit organizations, we help create spaces where kids can be kids, communities can feel empowered and new possibilities can find a strong foundation.
The positive effects of our work are easy to see. The success of our programs have encouraged us to expand and we are pleased to announce that our 35th project is underway. Many more playgrounds will be constructed.
As Playground Builders gathers momentum and support from people all over the globe, we plan to continue building playgrounds in the war-torn countries of Afghanistan, Iraq and the Palestine Territories and beyond. Help us put smiles on the faces of children and build a better future, one playground at a time.
What's New
June 2009
Iraq. Two more playgrounds at kindergartens are underway. See Iraq Locations.
Afghanistan. Letters arrived from children in Kabul. They were distributed to Spring Creek Community School in Whistler. Children in Afghanistan learn English in the fourth year of studies. This connection with children half way around the world is a exciting experience.
Playground Builders has been selected as the official charity of Cornucopia - Whistler's Celebration of Wine and Food. This November event will require Playground Builders to supply volunteers and items for the silent auction. http://www.whistlercornucopia.com/
Check out Helpers in Action for the latest updates.
April/May 2009
Afghanistan: Bibi Rabia School Playground in Kabul is complete. Over 3,700 students are now enjoying their first playground! The Malaka Suraya Girls High School soccer/football filed is installed. The turf will be ready for playing soon. More than 14,000 students attend this school. This soccer field is Playground Builders first! Maryam Girls school is located in northern Kabul. 23 pieces of play equipment will soon be placed for the more than 5,000 students attending class. The cost of this safe play area is approximately $8,000 Can. See Locations.
Iraq: playground for orphans has just opened. See Locations.
We are pleased to accept a cheque of $6,000 from the Squamish Rotary. This donation from the dedicated Rotarians will support happy childhoods in Afghanistan.
As the official charity of the Telus World Ski and Snowboard Festival, over $10,000 was raised for future play areas. Special thanks to Sue Eckersley and all at Watermark Communications, the staff at the GLC, the artists from the festival, The Sam Bradley Band, The Darcy's, Shane Philip, Dave Oran and all the dedicated volunteers of Playground Builders.
Canadian school children sent off one page hello letters to children in Afghanistan. Students there learn English in the 4th grade. Currently letters from Kabul are in transit to be delivered soon to children in Canada.
January 2009
Two more playgrounds in Afghanistan are under construction. The largest school in Afghanistan has no playground equipment. More than 14,000 girls attend the school, rotating in three shifts throughout the day. The playground equipment soon will be placed. After the winter, a soccer/football field will also be constructed.
Afghanistan Playground Opens
In August 2008, the official opening of our first playground in Kabul took place. This playground, completed with our partner HEWAD, is a tremendous success. Thousands of children will be playing in this playground. Proposals are underway for more playgrounds throughout Afghanistan.
The Whistler Holiday Experience: With a concert given by Allison Crowe, the coat check from first night and over two weeks of a fun for familys area the community donated over $5,000 towards our largest playground to date.
Bands Against Hunger Society: This two night concert for humanitarian concerns was well organized. Playground Builders was a reciepient of $500.
Community Foundation of Whistler: Playground Builders was showcased at the annual Citizen of the Year Celebration.
YMCA International Peacemaker Award Nomination
Playground Builders is honoured to have been nominated for the YMCA International Peacemaker Award. This award is presented to individuals and groups working with an international community for a world based on equality, justice and peace.
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TELUS World Ski & Snowboard Festival: Official Charity |