Tim Pruden of the Battleford Community Spirit Group, centre, presents a cheque to Mayor Ames Leslie, right, and Coun. Shelley Boutin-Gervais for the Town of Battleford. Boutin-Gervais is also a member of the volunteer group. (Angela Brown/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Angela Brown

Giving back

Battleford Community Spirit Group donates $21,500 to town

Sep 21, 2022 | 8:49 AM

It was a night of giving at the Town of Battleford’s council meeting Tuesday.

Tim Pruden, of the Battleford Community Spirit Group (BCSG), made a presentation to council and capped off his update by donating $21,500 to the town from the non-profit organization.

He said the group was gifted some money last year from the Battle River Settlement Foundation with the plan to do something in the town that was meaningful and would make a lasting impression.

The Community Spirit Group earmarked the funding for the town’s parks and recreation department initiatives.

“This year we researched what would be a suitable and tangible project,” Pruden said, adding the group worked with the town’s Parks and Recreation Manager Jordan Schechtel to identify something appropriate.

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As a result, the group decided to contribute part of the funding to the town to purchase two covered picnic tables for the Seniors Activity Park, located near the Alex Dillabough Centre. One table seats eight people, while the other is wheelchair accessible and will seat six people plus one more.

“This will enhance the area a little bit more so people will have a place to rest in the shade, and enjoy the tables and the [Seniors Park],” Pruden said.

The group will also purchase four benches and a bike stand for the new pump track area.

“We’re excited to share these funds with the residents of our town of all ages,” Pruden said. “That was our goal.”

The BCSG first started in 2019 with a primary objective to organize community events, to promote spirit and positive, safe inclusive activities in the community.

“Building a better community together was our focus,” Pruden said.

The group planned to host three events a year – the spring wiener roast, the fall festival, which was just held on Sept. 17, and the Christmas event in the downtown park where the group decorates the trees with lights for the holiday season.

Coun. David George commended the group for making the latest donation to benefit the people of Battleford.

“It’s great that it’s going into the community,” he said. “By doing what you are doing, it’s awesome.”

Mayor Ames Leslie was also touched with the contribution. He said between the events the group hosts during the year and this support it will make a positive difference to residents.

“The Community Spirit Group has left a legacy in our community with the events you have [organized], and what you have done,” he said.

Leslie said the contributions will be appreciated for the Seniors’ Park, as well as the new pump track that is already seeing many visitors since it opened over the summer.

“We’re very grateful for the thought,” he added. “I think it’s just wonderful that you guys are here, and your slogan is ‘building a better community together’ on the day that we are going to re-proclaim Better Together Tuesdays in the community. So it’s very fitting the time period you guys chose to come to speak here.”

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angela.brown@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW