OACS News Service

Timothy Christian School built its new campus in 2005.
TCS kicks off campaign, receives ‘overwhelming response’ from community
School reaches more than 50 per cent of its $2.5M campaign goal
Wednesday May 13, 2009 -- Jennifer Higgs
Timothy Christian School in Barrie kicked off the public and active phase of its $2.5-million debt-reduction campaign at the school April 24, with 200 donors and community leaders attending.

The school built a new campus in 2005 at a cost of $7 million, fully funded through private donations, promissory notes and a small mortgage. The campaign, titled This Task We Share, is working to reduce promissory notes and part of the mortgage.

Campaign chair Sion Jones announced the school has surpassed the halfway mark, with $1,267,950 raised. 

“This is an overwhelming response by the community,” said Jones in a press release.

“We’ve been very blessed so far; we are very excited,” says principal Andy Straatsma, noting it is thanks to God they have reached this point during a recession.

The overall goal for the campaign is the element of affordability, Straatsma says.

“Our goal is that we want to keep tuition affordable and the school accessible to as many Christian families . . . as we can,” Straatsma told the OACS News.

TCS has not had a campaign for a while and general reception has been positive, he says, adding that paying down debt is considered to be a very stewardly and responsible act.

The school hired The Dennis Group to organize the campaign.

“The campaign has become a focal point of the community and is extending far beyond the traditional supporting donors,” says campaign director Chonee Dennis. “I think it’s a testament to the impact that Timothy Christian School has not only on the Christian community but the external community, as well.”

The elementary school has been in the community for 40 years and is used seven days a week, providing space to Unity Christian High School and Harvest Bible Chapel as well as other community service groups.

“We are getting an incredible amount of support outside of the traditional families, which is a blessing and such a great outreach for a Christian school,” says Dennis, noting that is something she doesn’t see in every community.

Entering the campaign’s public and active phase, canvassers are being trained and will personally meet with people with their case for support.

The school has received local media attention, including articles in the Barrie Examiner and Barrie Advance. They also anticipate an upcoming breakfast talk show on radio station Life 100.3 and coverage in SNAP Barrie.

TCS aims to raise the remainder of the $2.5 million by its fall membership meeting.

To learn more about the campaign, click here.

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