After more than a year in the making, the KidSport Playhouse is expected to be completed and on display in late May.
It promises to be well worth the wait. The 100-square foot playhouse, which can do double-duty as a storage shed, is designed to look like an old-west general store. With hand-made windows and doors, a slope-roof front porch veranda and antique-style interior finish, it’s a one-of-a-kind gem.
Marty Goertzen of Martensville, an experienced carpenter, has volunteered his labour, tools and workshop space to finishing the project that was begun by Martensville High School students in the fall of 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic not only stopped work on the playhouse, it also forced the cancellation of the annual Martensville and Warman KidSport Playhouse Raffle last year, a major fundraiser for the charity.
Goertzen volunteered his labour to ensure the raffle wasn’t cancelled again this year. Several corporate sponsors also stepped up to supply needed materials and services.
In early April, the partially-completed playhouse was moved from the high school to Goertzen’s home in Martensville.
“It’s coming along nicely,” said Goertzen in an interview at his home April 21. “I want to take a bit more time to make sure all the details are done just right. It’s a fun project, and it’s for a real good cause.”
The playhouse itself is the grand prize in the raffle, while second prize is a $500 gift certificate from Cabellas, donated by the Martensville and District Lions Club; and third prize is a KidSport basket, donated by KidSport, the City of Warman and the City of Martensville.
Online ticket sales for the KidSport Playhouse Raffle are slated to go on sale Saturday, May 1, officially kicking off KidSport Month.
The tickets, available at www.warmankidsport.ca, sell for $5 each or three for $10.
The draw for the KidSport Playhouse is scheduled for Saturday, September 18 at the Martensville A&W.