Playhouse build and auction aids Kristen French advocacy centre

What can you do in three hours, while supporting worthwhile charity in the community? And put a big smile on a child’s face at the same time?

Build a one-of-a-kind playhouse.

That’s what Luchetta Homes, Windrush Hill Custom Homes and Paint It will be doing in a friendly competition for the fourth annual Playhouse Build and Auction to support Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre Niagara.

The event will take place at the Pen Centre parking lot on Sunday.

The playhouses will be auctioned off to raise funds and awareness for the programs and services available for children and youths who deal with abuse in Niagara.

Students from Niagara Catholic District School Board and Sherry Holmes from the “Holmes Makes It Right” television show will be judging the playhouses based on presentation, creativity and teamwork. Niagara Emergency Medical Services Deputy Chief Roger Mayo and Niagara Regional Police Det. Staff Sgt. Paul Koscinski will auction off the playhouses to the public with a starting bid of $300, with all the proceeds going to the Kristen French centre.

Playhouse Build and Auction founder and co-chair Laila Srigley, who previously worked as a fundraising co-ordinator, and her husband Matt, who works in construction, came up with the idea of organizing this event together.

“Part of the role of the fundraising co-ordinator was think about an event where we could bring the community together and to raise awareness about our organization,” said Srigley. “We thought, why couldn’t we get a bunch of builders from Niagara to come together and to build a custom fun house for the kids and we can auction it off ?”

A do-it-yourself TV show was an inspiration as well.

“Nothing like this has been done before,” she said.

The first playhouse build took place at St. Catharines Jeanne Sauvé French Immersion Public School. The highest auction bid reached for a playhouse during the first annual auction was $7,000.

The location was moved to the Pen Centre in order to provide room for more spectators and supporters.

During the event, visitors will have an opportunity to enjoy a variety of food truck options.

Two bouncy castles, arts and crafts activities and superhero characters will be on hand for children.

The Kristen French centre is a registered charity which helps children and families deal with physical or sexual abuse, targets of internet luring or unwilling witness of violence through the 12 Niagara municipalities.

“On average we have alleged child abuse investigation once a business day,” said executive director Janet Handy. “Last year Family and Children’s Services had 312 cases that were investigated here.”

She said the playhouse build and auction “is a source of inspiration to see the fun and enthusiasm of corporate community supporters as they engage in their team building of these playhouses.”

“Their commitment means that our centre continues to be the safe place for Niagara’s children and youth to disclose abuse,” Handy said.