After 40 years of operation, the Childhood Connections centre in Kelowna is facing closure as the province did not renew its contract, which was its main source of funding. A rally was held by the community to highlight the importance of the centre to local families and to urge the provincial government to find alternative ways to keep it open. The centre has been providing childcare services and support to families for over four decades, and its closure would leave many unanswered questions for both the staff and the families who rely on it.
The rally, organized by parents and families who utilize the centre, aimed to bring attention to the impact of the centre’s closure on the community. Melissa Costa, a centre user, expressed concern that the toy library at the centre would be shut down and its resources not transferred to the new organization taking over. This decision not only affects Kelowna, but also West Kelowna, as the centre serves families on both sides of the bridge. West Kelowna city councillor and centre user, Garrett Millsap, called on B.C. Premier David Eby to reconsider the closure, considering the significant number of children and families who rely on the centre for support.
The successful bidder for the contract is the YMCA, but the staff at Childhood Connections centre are not giving up the fight to keep it open. The community has shown overwhelming support for the centre, emphasizing its importance to families in the Central Okanagan region. Board director Betty Cleland questioned the decision to close a facility that has been successfully serving families for decades, stating that the government should consider the impact on the community beyond just financial considerations. Centre user Moshe Yaroski echoed this sentiment, urging the government to look at the situation with compassion and understanding.
The potential closure of Childhood Connections centre has raised concerns about the future of childcare services in the area, as well as the impact on families who rely on its support. The centre has been a valuable resource for families for many years, and its closure would leave a significant gap in the community. With the provincial government’s decision not to renew the contract, families are left wondering how they will access the same level of care and support that the centre has provided. The community is rallying together to fight for the centre and to ensure that families in the Central Okanagan continue to have access to essential childcare services.
In the face of uncertainty about the centre’s future, parents, families, and staff are advocating for a closer look at why Childhood Connections is so crucial to the community. The decision to close the centre and award the contract to another organization has sparked outrage among those who have benefited from its services. Despite the challenges ahead, the community is determined to keep fighting to save Childhood Connections centre and ensure that families in the region have access to the support and resources they need. The closure of the centre would not only impact families in Kelowna and West Kelowna but would also have broader implications for childcare services in the Central Okanagan area.
As the fight to save Childhood Connections centre continues, the community is calling on the government to reconsider its decision and find a way to keep the centre operational. The centre’s long history of serving families in the region has been a testament to its importance and value to the community. With the support of parents, families, and staff, the hope remains that Childhood Connections will find a way to secure the funding needed to continue providing essential childcare services for years to come. The community’s efforts to keep the centre open demonstrate the strong bond and dedication to supporting families and children in the Central Okanagan.
