Helen Davis State School hosts run/walk to fundraise for playground
Apr. 27—What a perfect day for a 5k.
Helen Davis State School hosted their 13th annual 5k Run/Walk N' Roll with the Huskies on Saturday.
The goal of the run/walk is to raise money for the school's equipment and future events.
Principal, Sarah Sandlin, says for state schools finding funding can be difficult but with this run, their plans for the school are possible.
"It's difficult to get [funding] for anything that's extra on top of just the basic curriculum and educational supplies," Sandlin said.
This year, they're looking to use the funds to purchase a sun shade for the playground.
"A lot of our students love to swing, and some of them are wheelchair bound. So it's difficult for them to stay on the swings all day long without a sunshade," said Sandlin.
"And then any extra funds will be allocated for fun events that we do."
Some of those events include prom, graduation, a fall festival and more.
Sandlin believes this 5k run/walk is also a good way for the school to get involved with the community.
"I think that it's important for the community recognizes that we're here," she said.
"Individuals with disabilities, it's nothing new, but it's important that we're part of events and we're part of the community. So many times we get left on the sidelines."
For her students, she wants them to know that they are seen and she wants to make the world more accessible and inclusive for them. Which is why her favorite part of the 5k is fostering connections between the St. Joseph community and the disabled community.
"It's really cool to see our own students participate. They get really excited and just seeing the joy on their faces, it's really all worth it," Sandlin said.
Sandlin gives thanks to the St. Joseph community to their dedication to the event. She says the event had a great turnout of over 200 people and it wouldn't be possible without community support.
