Local businesses to rebuild Scarborough playground destroyed by fire

A school playground destroyed by fire will be rebuilt thanks to donations from local businesses.

It appears vandals torched the playground at Mary Shadd Public School in Scarborough — built with $20,000 after five years of fundraising.

At a news conference at the school on Wednesday, police said there might have been a group in the area around the time of the fire, around 8:30 p.m, and would like witnesses to come forward.

Earlier, Canadian Tire announced it had pledged $22,000 and, according to a report in the Toronto Star, TD Canada Trust committed $10,000. That’s on top of a $1,800 gift from clothing store Tom’s Place in Kensington Market and $500 from radio host John Tory. Before the Canadian Tire announcement, Manuel DaCosta, 57, of Viana Roofing & Sheetmetal, had offered to cover the rest of the cost.

“We have a very strong community at Mary Shadd and our students and parents worked hard to raise the money to build our kindergarten play structure,” principal Annessa Ali said in a statement. “We are devastated by the loss and are extremely grateful for the generosity.”

Duncan Fulton, senior vice-president at Canadian Tire, said the company would also supply soccer balls, hockey sticks, nets and volunteers for the project.

“We will work closely with the school and parents to make sure this playground is rebuilt quickly and that the kids at Mary Shadd Public School have new sports equipment that will hopefully build their love of sport and playing,” he said.

Last year, fire destroyed the Jamie Bell Adventure Playground in High Park, and Canadian Tire, a TD Canada Trust branch and residents donated enough money to rebuild it. TV contractor Mike Homes and his crew volunteered their time.

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today