What began as a simple idea to improve a neighbourhood playground has transformed into a powerful symbol of healing, inclusion, and community spirit in Carman.
Thanks to a $5,500 grant from the Carman Area Foundation, Communities in Bloom is one step closer to completing the Friends and Family Playground. The funding was announced during the Foundation’s 26th Annual Granting Gala, held last week, where a total of $194,000 was awarded to 49 local organizations—a record-setting year for the event.
The Friends and Family Playground
The Friends and Family Playground project was initiated over a year ago to address the need for a more accessible and updated play space in that area of town. But after a tragic incident involving the Clearwater family, the project took on new significance.
“Shortly after we began planning, the tragedy with the Clearwater family happened,” said Leora Collingride, a representative of Communities in Bloom. Collingride said it became clear to them that the playground could also serve as a place of remembrance and healing.
“We want it to be a space where children can safely play, where families can gather, and where everyone—regardless of mobility—feels included.” - Leora Collingride
The project quickly became a collaborative effort. Five local organizations joined forces to help fund and design the space, not only as a recreational area, but also as a lasting tribute to the Clearwater family. The new playground will include rubber pathways for wheelchair and walker accessibility, new play structures, and a memorial sculpture featuring a mother turtle followed by four baby turtles—symbolizing the family’s memory and presence.
“We want it to be a space where children can safely play, where families can gather, and where everyone—regardless of mobility—feels included,” Collingride added.
Generosity celebrated
The Carman Area Foundation’s gala, held at a packed venue with nearly 400 attendees, highlighted the community’s generosity and dedication. In addition to funds from local donors, the Foundation also distributed $23,000 received from the Thomas Sill Foundation, which supports local community initiatives through Manitoba-based foundations.
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Reflection from the Foundation chair
Carman Community Foundation Chair Janine Lodder, now in her final year of service, reflected on the progress the organization has made. “Twenty-five years ago, we granted out just $7,000. This year, we’ve reached $194,000. We’ve now granted over $4 million since our inception—all from the interest, never the principal,” she said. “This community continues to show up and support one another in amazing ways.”
A community effort
One special aspect of the evening was the involvement of Carman Collegiate’s Youth in Philanthropy program, where students evaluated local needs and selected projects to support, demonstrating that Carman’s spirit of giving spans generations.
Among the many grants awarded, the Clearwater Memorial Playground received special recognition and an extra round of applause. “That was a moment,” Lodder said. “You could feel the emotion in the room. Our community experienced a loss, but what we’re building from that loss is incredibly meaningful.”
Construction continues on the Friends and Family Playground, a shining example of what’s possible when a community rallies around a shared purpose.
