A delegation of Sundre Daycare and Valley Kids Out of School Care board members recently presented council with some background on the non-profit organization.
“We are here tonight to showcase not only our programs but also to demonstrate our commitment and impact on our community,” said Jessica Evans, vice-president, during her opening address to elected officials at the Aug. 20 meeting.
Evans was accompanied by her colleagues Amanda Hunter, secretary, as well as Chantel Sommerfeld, president.
“We are the only non-profit daycare facility in this region — we are also fully accredited and licensed. We provide childcare for approximately 35 families in the Sundre area,” she said.
As a non-profit organization, the board aims to offer affordable access to programs, without which there would not be enough childcare spaces to satisfy existing demand in the community, resulting in substantially increased prices, she said.
The delegation also presented a slideshow that featured background information on the daycare — which is located at the Sundre Community Centre building above Greenwood Neighbourhood Place while the Valley Kids Out of School Care is located at River Valley School — as well as activities such as field trips to the Sundre Pioneer Village Museum, the Calgary Tower, playing outdoors, and the Sundre Seniors' Supportive Living facility. The organization strives to facilitate learning through play.
Coun. Richard Warnock wondered whether the group had reached capacity in providing a service to 35 families.
“We are not full at this time; we do have spaces available. The Sundre Daycare can provide care for 45 kids aged 0 to 6, and 40 kids in Valley Kids, aged 4.5 to 12 years old,” replied Evans.
Mayor Terry Leslie expressed gratitude for the presentation to showcase the group, which provides an enhanced opportunity for residents to better understand what the organization offers.
Although the delegation was not making any specific requests from the municipality, Evans told the Round Up during a followup that the organization is always receptive to additional support from the community.
“We just wanted to provide our program information to the council members to ensure everyone is aware of what makes us special and unique as a non-profit daycare, and just how needed we are in this community. All non-profits struggle from time to time, and Sundre’s continued support is welcome and needed to keep us growing into the future.”
