It took two attempts for arsonists to level the playground at Copley Park in Saanich last year, and now a community group is ready to build a new one.
The disturbing incident happened early last July 1 and left a wasteland of twisted metal, charred wood and burnt bark mulch.
On Saturday, a group of volunteers is rallying to bring the playground back with the Eggs Benefit fundraiser.
“It’s our goal to bring the community together for a fun event,” said event co-ordinator Rick Boomer. “It’s going to be a great energy.”
Boomer said the estimated cost for a new playground is $75,000.
“We’ll be happy with whatever we can raise towards it.”
From 9 a.m. onward, the frying pans will be sizzling with omelettes in 11 different cooking stations throughout the parking lot of Saanich Baptist Church.
Mayor Richard Atwell is among the celebrity chefs who will make it happen.
“My mom always said, if an egg can make a whole chicken it must be good for you,” joked Atwell.
Also cooking are Grey Cup winning football player Brian Ramsay, MLA Lana Popham, Police Chief Bob Downie, Adam Olsen from the B.C. Green Party and more. There will be a Saanich Fire truck, Saanich Police’s Ace (the K9 Mascot) and bouncy castles.
Country Grocer has donated the fixings for the omelettes, peppers, mushrooms and cheese, and potatoes for hash browns.
Saanich Deputy Fire Chief Stephen Hanna will also be on hand cooking omelettes.
“We look forward to not only cooking, but coming together as a community to help rebuild the playground at Copley Park,” Hanna said.
The made-to-order omelettes are by donation from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 4347 Wilkinson Rd.