Chapman’s Ice Cream has announced that it has made a $500,000 donation to the new Beavercrest Community School in Markdale.
The popular Markdale ice cream company announced the donation in a post to its Facebook account and through a news release on its website.
The money will go towards essentials inside and outside the school building, such as the primary and junior playgrounds, shelters, outdoor sports equipment, gym equipment, gym wall padding, audio and video systems.
“With our donation, we hope to provide the new school and its students with the right tools for success. After all, contributing to the growth of next generations is the best way to ensure a bright future for both Chapman’s and the community,” said Ashley Chapman, Chief Operating Officer at Chapman’s.
Construction on the new Beavercrest school started in the summer of 2023. The $20.7 million project includes a J/K to Grade 8 school with 374 student spaces and a two-room EarlyON centre.
Chapman’s Ice Cream was front and centre in the efforts of the community, several years ago, to save Beavercrest from being closed permanently.
“The beautiful brand new Beavercrest will feature modernized classroom spaces, state-of-the-art child care, and an EarlyON centre to accommodate our growing school community in the Markdale area for current and future generations,” said Beavercrest principal Tennille Schultz. “We are extremely thankful to Chapman’s for this incredibly generous donation which provides for enhancements to our school in the areas that are not provincially funded. This notably alleviates pressure from the school community to fundraise.”
The new school facility is being built immediately behind the current school, which will remain in use until the project is completed.
“With 25% of its employees having their children enrolled in Beavercrest, Chapman’s see this donation as an investment in the community and its employees. Markdale’s population grew notably in recent years with multiple housing developments in town and the need for a local school is greater than ever,” the company’s news release stated.
Bluewater District School Board officials welcomed the announcement from Chapman’s.
“The donation will provide for enhancements to the new school. For example, playgrounds are not provincially funded, so this will alleviate pressure on the school community to fundraise for playground equipment,” said Jamie Pettit, board communications officer, in an email. “Additional items funded by this donation will benefit the education experience of our students. (The school board) is extremely thankful to Chapman’s for this incredibly generous donation and consideration is being given to its many possible uses.”
