HAMILTON – After raising $175,000 through a co-ordinated radiothon last fall, Corus Entertainment’s Hamilton radio stations announced today the opening of the Woerlen Family Memorial Playground on Wednesday, August 31 at Gainsborough Central Public School in St. Ann’s, Ontario.
The playground is being built by Corus Radio Hamilton and kids play equipment maker Little Tikes. The November radiothon, which aired on Corus stations The New Country 95.3, Y108 and AM 900 CHML raised money for the playground named to remember the Woerlen family of West Lincoln, who lost Monika Woerlen and her seven children in a devastating house fire on November 8, 2004. The only survivor was the family’s father and husband, Marc, who was out of town.
“The generosity of our listeners, local businesses and community groups has been tremendous,” said Suzanne Carpenter, general manager, Corus Radio Hamilton, in a release. “Remembering the Woerlen family with a tangible facility is a fitting memorial that celebrates their lives and gives children a place to play for many generations to come.”
Little Tikes has designed the playground with various stations to fit the needs of children from junior kindergarten to intermediate students and children with special needs. The site includes musical panels, a finger maze, fun with words area, monster slide and an infinity loop, all of which replaces the outdated equipment. The Woerlen children, who attended Gainsborough, are honoured on the grounds with monuments by Kirkpatrick Monuments and Oliver Signs & Graphics.
Thanks to the financial and in-kind support of individuals and businesses alike, the Woerlen Family Memorial Fund raised enough funds to earmark money for playground maintenance and channel additional funds into a series of scholarships in the Woerlens’ names, administered by Gainsborough Central Public School.
The Woerlen Memorial Playground will be unveiled Wednesday, August 31 (weather permitting) with an opening ceremony hosted by Corus Radio Hamilton and broadcast live on The New Country 95.3, Y108 and AM 900 CHML. Marc Woerlen will be on hand for the ribbon-cutting.
