BRAMPTON, ON - Frank McLoughlin Co-Operative Homes in Brampton has a brand new playground today thanks to a coordinated effort of 200 volunteers from Foresters and the community who erected the facility.

This playground will serve the children of the community where previously there was old wooden equipment. MPP Brampton West, Vic Dhillon joined Tony Poole, President & CEO, Unity Life and President Foresters Canada Division, in acknowledging the tremendous contribution made by all the volunteers.

"Foresters and Unity Life, a Foresters company, are thrilled to provide the children of this community with a wonderful new park where they can play and spend quality family time together," said Tony Poole. "This is Foresters fourth playground build of 2009, and another excellent example of team spirit and of Foresters mission coming to life. Foresters champions the well-being of families by investing in our communities and by providing opportunities for our members, our agents and staff to help make a difference."

Foresters, a member-based life insurance provider with members throughout Ontario, funded and organized the playground build with KaBOOM!, local parents and the Frank McLoughlin Co-Operative.

"I am so proud of the hard work and dedication shown by our volunteers and community partners in the construction of this park," said Vic Dhillon, MPP for Brampton West. "All families in Brampton will be able to enjoy this fun new playground."

Before the first hole was dug in the ground, children from the Frank McLoughlin Co-Op helped design the playground of their dreams.

"This has been such an exciting project for our community to participate in. Our children took real ownership when designing the playground and they're thrilled to see it become a reality," said Jackie O'Hearn, General Manager of Frank McLoughlin Co-Op. "I'd like to thank Foresters, KaBOOM!, the children, parents, fundraising partners and the hundreds of volunteers that made today possible."

The new playground will be nearly 3,200 square feet in size and includes a rocky ridge climber, spiral climber, arch swing set, adventure tube, spiral ladder, a slither slide and much more. With a duration expectancy range from 15 to 20 years, the playground has the capacity to serve approximately 45,000 children in its lifetime.

Foresters investment in this playground extends beyond the work completed on build day. Foresters volunteers and the community have made a commitment to maintain the playground to ensure it is available for subsequent generations of parents and children.