Emily Plihal
Local Journalism
Initiative Reporter
Routhier Facility Enhancement Society (RFES) is hosting a fundraiser that will help to make your child smile and feel some Christmas Cheer.
The group is hosting a Elf Magic Kit fundraiser. Each kit includes 24 days of ready-to-go Elf fun, complete with creative daily setups, parent instructions, and all the supplies needed to make every morning magical.
“From silly surprises and heartwarming moments to tiny props and playful signs, every detail has been carefully planned to make your family’s Elf experience unforgettable,” says RFES President Jacklyn Laflamme. “While we won’t spoil the surprises, you can expect laughter, imagination, and a touch of Christmas sparkle waiting for your kids each day.”
Laflamme explains Routhier Facility Enhancement Society is a volunteer-run committee that supports École Routhier School through fundraising and community partnerships.
“Our mission is to enhance the learning environment and experiences of students by funding projects that directly benefit the school and its programs,” says Laflamme. “Our current focus is upgrading the lighting and sound system on the school stage, ensuring students have access to a safe, modern, and fully functional space for school concerts, drama productions, assemblies, and community events.”
Laflamme says the group recently replaced the playground structure in the schoolyard, an endeavour that was made possible because of the community donations and various grants.
“Beyond major projects, RFES has also helped fund gym equipment, classroom technology, field trips, and the Missoula Children’s Theatre, which brings an incredible performance experience to local students each year,” she says. “(The elf fundraiser is to) raise funds to upgrade the lights and sound system for the stage at Ecole Routhier School, an improvement that was identified as a key need by the school that will enhance the experience for both students and community during performances and assemblies. A better equipped stage means clearer sound, improved visibility, and an overall more professional atmosphere for events where the community is invited into the school.”
The current RFES board is comprised of Laflamme, Secretary Joanne Blanchette and Treasurer is Ashley Tardif.
“This project is a significant undertaking because we will be replacing the school’s original stage lighting and sound system, which dates back to when the school was first built,” Laflamme explains. “The existing wiring and infrastructure are outdated and no longer meet the needs of modern performances or assemblies. Upgrading the system will require a complete electrical overhaul to ensure it’s safe, efficient, and capable of supporting school concerts, drama productions, and community events for years to come.”
The elf fundraiser is expected to help kickstart the fundraising required to purchase the sound system. Laflamme says they recently got a quote for a portable sound system that can be moved from the big gym to the small gym, and even outside for school events.
“The stage at Routhier is the heart of the school,” explains Laflamme. “It’s where families, students, and community members gather to celebrate their kids’ achievements at monthly assemblies, big performances like the Christmas concert and everything in between. The proceeds from this fundraiser will go directly to enhancing and improving this very important feature of the school.”
Laflamme says she hopes the Elf Magic Kit fundraiser helps busy parents provide their children with a fun, Christmas-spirit-filled daily project.
“While Elf on the Shelf can be a fun tradition for kids around the holidays, it can add an extra layer of stress and pressure for moms to continually have to come up with creative ideas,” she says.
“These kits will take away that stress and truly turn this tradition into fun for the whole family, including mom.”
Kits will only be sold until Nov. 1 and will be ready for pick-up the week of Nov. 24. If you’d like a kit or would like to join the RFES board, Laflamme asks that you email their group at rfes.board@gmail.com.
“We are always looking for new members, fresh ideas, and community support to continue improving our school facilities and programs,” Laflamme says. “Anyone interested in getting involved is encouraged to reach out. . .”