Williams Lake students and residents are invited to smash two vehicles with hammers, sledgehammers or even the Jaws of Life to help raise funds for new outdoor equipment at Columneetza Secondary School.
Smash for Cash will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 20 at the school and all monies raised will kickstart the playground project.
Williams Lake Minor Hockey U15 Rep Boys Hockey Boys coach Brad McKinnon said the team is looking to give back to the community, and starting with Columneetza School.
"Bee Jay Auto Wrecking and Towing is donating both of the vehicles, with drop off and pick up included," McKinnon said.
Columneetza principal Hettie Darnie said the school has been working with the Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) to fundraise for a playground, which everyone knows will take a long time.
There is no playground on the Columneetza school property so students borrow the playgrounds at Nesika Elementary, which is next door.
McKinnon mentioned Parkour play equipment as a possibility to purchase and Hattie said there are several variations.
"Our student council this year is comprised of mostly Grade 7 students and some Grade 8s and 9s, and they have asked us to build them something they can climb on," she said. "It would be fantastic to get a middle school-age appropriate type playground here for the school, but also we're the heart of this community and many subdivisions so it would be something that families and people around could use for a long time."
The Smash for Cash will begin with student participation from 11:35 a.m. to 12:25 p.m. and during C and D blocks teachers are encouraged to bring their classes out at their own discretion.
Community members are welcome all afternoon.
The suggested price for swinging a hammer is $5 to $10, for a sledgehammer $11 to $20 or more. For anyone wanting to try using the jaws of life, the cost is $1,000 or more.
"We will be clearing a space in the parking lot and now that it's snowing putting down some sand and salt," she said, adding the hockey team has told her she will get the first crack at it. "I'm going to bring my donation money, and hopefully I get a sledgehammer."
Members of the Williams Lake Fire Department and RCMP will also be assisting with the event.
