The roof, the roof, the Chilliwack Safety Village roof is not on fire- but it is in need of replacing.

The Chilliwack Safety Village Society is turning to the public to raise money to replace the roof of classrooms where thousands of local children have learned to stay safe in their homes and on the street.

The society renewed its lease earlier this year on the Safety Village, which opened in 1997 as the dream of Vera Armstrong. However, a city inspection revealed that the roof on the classrooms must be replaced before classes start again next spring.

The cost is estimated at $30,000 and the Safety Village has only a small budget. But volunteers are hoping they can raise the money from the public and the parents of the 2,500 Grade 1 and 3 students from private and public schools who attend the village each year.

"If we received a loonie or a toonie on behalf of every child who has benefited from the Safety Village, we would more than meet our goal," Chilliwack Safety Village Society treasurer Bob Jones said.

Any donation is welcome. Any extra funds would be used to upgrade the classrooms with new furnaces, lights and windows.

The Safety Village teaches children basic bicycle, pedestrian and fire safety, along with home hazard awareness.

? The Mount Cheam Lions Club is assisting in the campaign, called "Raise The Roof For The Kids." Donations can be dropped off at the Lions Club's annual turkey draw raffle at the Chilliwack Mall Dec. 1 to 23. They can also be mailed to: Chilliwack Safety Village, 6476 Reid Rd., Chilliwack, BC, V2R 1T9.