A sizeable donation from Scottie Barnes of the Toronto Raptors and financial donations from the community have helped save an indoor playground and Montessori school in Brampton, Ontario from closure.

The Polkadots Playland and Montessori Academy had recently shared that they were on the verge of closing the Royal West Drive location due to their inability to pay $80,000 in rent, staff salaries, and utilities by March 31. The school offers classes from pre-kindergarten to Grade 6 with specialized programs for children with autism. The school set up a GoFundMe page sharing its struggle to survive since the COVID-19 pandemic.

When Toronto Raptors star Scottie Barnes learned about the situation, he had his team reach out to the school authorities and made an offline donation. While the amount of his donation has not been officially revealed, media reports speculate that Barnes donated a sizeable amount of $50,000, helping the preschool reach its target. Community members also donated enough funds to help the preschool reach its financial goal through the GoFundMe page.

Polkadots Principal Josette Drummond thanked the school community and donors for their help and support that have enabled Polkadots to continue.

Source: Steve Pecar, INsauga