West-side parents not allowed to give away playground grant

VANCOUVER – A plan by west-side parents to donate a government grant for playground equipment to a needy east-side school has been rejected by the Education Ministry and the organization that distributed the cash.

The B.C. Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils (BCCPAC), which awarded $1 million in provincial grants by holding an unusual lottery, has told Queen Mary parents to spend their $10,000 winnings on their own school playground or return the money so it can be reallocated to a runner-up.