Fredericton — As a result of water damage from a pipe burst that occurred over the recent Christmas break, several computers and most of the books in Devon Middle School’s library were destroyed. As repairs to the building itself continue, school officials have turned to the community for assistance, soliciting donations of new and gently used books. They have also started an online crowdfunding campaign that has been shared widely on social media.
The campaign’s goal is to raise $10,000 to purchase new books and equipment for the school’s library. As of press time, the total pledged is just under $3,000. Contributions are coming from individuals and businesses alike. Part of that total can reportedly be attributed to New Brunswick’s Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development, Serge Rousselle.
“It’s an awful shame what happened to the school. Who’d have thought water pipes could burst in a building left empty for 2 weeks in the middle of winter? Next year we’re going try to have a custodian come in with a hair dryer every other day or so to keep on top of it,” Rousselle told reporters.
“The loss of the library is devastating to everyone at the school and I wanted to help in any way I could, so that’s why I donated,” Rousselle said. The minister personally pledged $25 to the school and has challenged his fellow cabinet ministers to do the same. He also indicated his Twitter and Facebook pages shared the crowdfunding link, or would be doing so very soon.
Rousselle went on to say, “If students don’t have access to something as fundamental as a school library, we are failing them. This is about our children’s futures and the future of this province, and it’s times like these we as citizens have to come together. Who else is going to do it — the government?”