The Friends of St. Francis Society at Okotoks' St. Francis of Assisi Academy is looking to raise some serious cash.

The price tag of a new playground for the school is about $450,000.

Jennifer Zaffino, chair of the Friends of St. Francis Society, says if they hustle over the next few months they could receive help from the government.

"It's a lot of money so what we're trying to do is break it down into smaller parts. If we can raise $125,000 by December the government will actually give us a matching grant for it so that's our first and foremost goal."

So far the society is selling school branded clothing and held an open house bbq.

Zaffino says they also have community wide fundraisers planned with the first one being a bottle drive taking place on Oct. 1.

"You can bring your bottles right down to the bottle depot if you'd like to our trailer that'll be there or the kids will be coming around door to door to collect bottle."

A social and silent auction is also planned at the Canadian Brewhouse for Oct. 21.

Tickets are $10 with all proceeds going to the society. 

Tickets can be purchased ahead of time at the school, by calling Zaffino at (403) 998-3749, or at the event.

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