ASSINIBOIA - A group of concerned parents began discussing their struggles with finding childcare in Assiniboia, and that is how the non-profit Golden South Childcare Centre, was born.
Board members Chantel Hannah, Nicole Batty, Justine Bamford, Caitlin Batty, Christine Printz, Elri Boeyens, Kirsten Ball, Jesse Yasuda, Heather Batty, and Kayla Nelson are a group of local parents, entrepreneurs, accountants, non-profit managers, banking specialists, insurance brokers, and health professionals.
They have been working alongside Assiniboia Child Care Services and the Town of Assiniboia in their quest to create more childcare space.
“While conducting a community needs assessment, we received feedback that there are over 80 children in our community in need of childcare.” Nicole Batty added that they expect this number to rise as responses are still being received.
Other daycare facilities in Assiniboia such as the ACCS and dayhomes have reported that they have long waitlists, and they recognize the need for increased accessibility to childcare for families in our area. “We are all working towards the same goal, which is to ensure adequate childcare options in our community,” said Nicole. “We look forward to working in partnership with the existing childcare facilities and day homes to address the current childcare crisis.”
The board members believe that without enough childcare options, Assiniboia and area cannot thrive and grow. Many young families want to call Assiniboia home.
The Golden South Childcare Centre is in the initial planning phase, and are beginning their fundraising activities while also working to identify a viable location for their new facility.
“Our first fundraising project is selling ‘Home Town Pride’ shirts. Anyone who’s interested in showing their home-town pride and supporting a good cause can go to: tinyurl.com/goldensouth to order a shirt. They have your choice of design, style and colour.”
Several other fundraisers are planned throughout the summer in addition to the online T-shirt orders, such as a face-painting booth at the Canada Day celebrations and a golf tournament scheduled for the Assiniboia Golf Course on August 7.
“We can also accept donations by e-transfer to goldensouthchildcare@gmail.com.”
“What we need right now is support from the community,” said Nicole. Already many members of the public have ensured that they are behind the project. With their continued input and financial support, the non-profit can raise the money needed for start-up costs such as licensing requirements and purchasing the necessary equipment and supplies.
The projected timeline will depend on whether it’s more feasible to renovate an existing property or to build a new structure.
For more information, follow the group on Facebook by searching GoldenSouthChildcare or contact the organization using email.
