The campaign to save Toronto’s school pools has topped its fundraising goal thanks to a $100,000 donation from CUPE 4400, the union representing about 12,000 employees at the Toronto District School Board.
“The threat to close our school pools has become a symbol of unthinkable cutbacks to public education. These pools are so important to so many communities. It’s not just students. People of all ages use the pools. The range of pool programs is incredible. There are pool programs for seniors, separate swim classes for Muslim girls, physiotherapy, and many more,” said President John Weatherup, who presented the donation to Toronto District School Board Chair Bruce Davis.
“We’re happy to be doing this. Our members and their children and their neighbours use these pools. But let me be clear about one thing - these pools need permanent funding from the provincial government. The funding formula for education is under review this year and it must be fixed.”
Weatherup noted that city families still face the possibility that dozens of Toronto schools will close, including West Toronto Collegiate, which has a state-of-the-art accessible swimming pool.