Thanks to generous contributions by individuals and local businesses the Headstart Program is very close to purchasing a new bus. To date, they have raised just over $50,000 to put towards a new bus, no small feat after just a few months of fundraising.
“We’re so close to our goal, only a few thousand more and we’ll be able to purchase a new bus,” said Tilda Hayward, the director of the Lac La Biche Headstart Program.
The program’s original bus was stolen on May 29, driven to an area near Goodfish Lake, and set on fire. Police later found the bus completely destroyed.
Since that regrettable day in May, the Headstart Program has been fundraising and the community has certainly responded. They’ve held several bake sales, barbeques and other fundraisers to benefit the purchase of a new bus.
Another Headstart related program in Edmonton has graciously allowed for the Lac La Biche program to continue using their spare bus until the funds are available for Lac La Biche to purchase a new one.
“The bus is so important to the programs and field trips that we run, and for getting some of these kids to school,” Hayward said.
“It is a vital piece to what we are doing here.”
“We really want to thank everyone that has helped us so far, Tarrabain Motors ran a barbeque during Pow Wow, and that money still needs to be added to our running total,” Hayward said.
Once the school year begins on Sept. 11, Hayward will begin looking at quotes for several different buses, and while the target number is still $70,000, Hayward is optimistic that they will reach their goal.
“I’m so overwhelmed at the response from the community, it was a terrible thing to have happened, but to see individuals and businesses come together and help us, it means so much to us,” she said.
LOOKING AHEAD TO SPETEMBER
With school about to start, it is all-systems-go for the Headstart program. The Headstart Program is rapidly filling up, with only a few vacancies left in the morning and afternoon programs. The program has a total capacity of 40 students, 20 in the morning and 20 in the afternoon, but for those waiting to enroll their child, Hayward warns that places may not be there in September.
“We’ll have no problem filling the program again, we only have a few more spots left,” she said.
The Headstart Program is in its seventeenth year in Lac La Biche, a pre-school program aimed at supporting Aboriginal students.
“We’re all very excited for another year,” Hayward said. “It has been a long summer, and I know the staff is itching to get back into the flow of another busy school year.”
Police have indicated that they have suspects in connection with the bus theft, but have yet to lay formal charges
