It goes without saying that children are the lifeblood of a village. As existing residents of a village as small as Medstead age, it becomes crucial to attract new residents. Particularly given the fact that the school is such a large economizer of the community, families with young ones are critical for the survival of a municipality. Ghost towns are something of which everyone is aware. Typically, these situations arise when residents pass on and there is no one left behind to continue business and residence. Grain elevators close down, schools do not have sufficient attendees to continue operations, and a lack of patronage closes stores and post offices.
That being said, the need for engagement of the young does not simply commence at school age. Necessity to socialize, become a part of the community, and grow through play starts as early as birth. This is something of which residents of Medstead are abundantly aware, as represented by the outpouring of support for the weekly playgroup started by Nicole Seidle.
After the initial plans for commencement of the playgroup, the barriers to this endeavour became clear. Firstly, though many parents expressed interest, there is inherently no guarantee for attendees. Secondly, the financial obligation for the rental of the Village Hall, subsequent to the successful approval of the scheduling, was a large concern. Though Seidle continues to pursue grants through the government, bureaucracy can significantly delay progress, and cause the initial inertia of a project to slow like the thickening of molasses.
Laughing in the face of long odds, Seidle singlehandedly facilitated the success of the program, whose first session was held October 11, 2017. In order for the program to run, a cumulative $2,000 was required to cover the cost of Hall rental for the period of the eight months for which the program is to run. Seidle’s idea was that the program be offered free of charge, meaning families with limited funds could still involve their young ones.
One meeting was held prior to the commencement of these events, to which four other parents came to show their support and aid in facilitation of the process. In a great showing of reach not exceeding grasp, the entire community showed its support and opened its pocketbooks to the cause. Seidle approached members of the community to inform and gain support for the program. Nicole says, “Everyone was so supportive, and I really want to acknowledge all of those that donated.”
As an unregistered non-profit, all donations do not get tax deductible status, and many that did donate do not have a vested interest in the program. Personal donors included Ike and Priscilla Epp, Woody and Gloria Cherwoniak and April Fudge and family. Various businesses across Medstead also contributed, bringing together towards a common cause the butcher and meat shop, the local seed farm, the village’s mechanic, residential real estate agencies, local photographers, and the main agricultural business of Medstead. In addition to this, the non-profit organization, the Leisure Life Club, offered contributions. Naturally, the Village of Medstead itself contributed funds, bringing the total thus far to $1,700, just shy of the $2000 mark. With this in mind, Nicole Seidle notes that there are still some other parties looking to contribute and that it is likely that the financial goal will be met without the money from the grant.
The funds certainly went to good use, as the first event hosted 18 children, ranging from one month old to four years of age with a mix of boys and girls. All parents stayed and had a chance to socialize while their children did the same. The group ran from 9:30 to 11 a.m. There was a colouring, puzzle and a block station for kids to enjoy, as well as donated clippings from magazines for children to put together collages. A parent brought in a box of toys, and children enjoyed adventures with My Little Ponies and a range of other toys. The next event is scheduled for Oct. 18 at the Village Hall, and will undoubtedly gain traction and support in facilitating happy and healthy youth within the thriving village of Medstead.
