KELOWNA - Staff at YMCA Little Scholars Daycare are going the extra mile this holiday season, providing a lucky family a holiday meal and a couple presents to put under the tree.  For some, the holidays are not as cheerful as they can be.  Being a low income family or single parent can be a struggle, especially today, as prices skyrocket and the pressure and trends to buy more for our children heightens.

Staff members at YMCA Little Scholars Daycare have built great relationships with the families who use the child care services and, to pay their appreciation back, have taken it upon themselves to support a family in need with all the holiday fixings for a dinner as well as a present per member of the family to put under the tree.  They are doing this out of their own pockets which proves true commitment to the YMCA of Okanagan’s values of caring, respect and responsibility.  “YMCA of Okanagan staff across all departments devote themselves to nurturing the potential in our kids,” says Colleen Keeler, Little Scholars Childcare Director.   “This is really important because, by doing so, we are supporting their growth into healthy adults which, in turn creates healthy communities.  In the past four and half years our centre has been in operation I have met many families who are struggling just to provide the basics for their children.  It is wonderful to see the generosity of the staff as well, some whom have limited resources themselves.”

The recipient of last years’ holiday care package was very grateful for all the support he and his son Marshall received.  “Childcare can be very expensive, especially if you are going to college and trying to succeed and do better,” says Marshall’s father, Bruce Vancoughnett.  “Being a single parent, any little bit of help you can get is good” he explains, referring to both the holiday donation and the YMCA’s Financial Assistance program.   Bruce is now working to gain his hours as an Automotive Service Technician which he expressed he really wouldn’t have been able to go to school for without the financial assistance provided through YMCA’s Strong Kids Campaign, in addition to government subsidy, bringing his childcare down from $738/month to $94/month.

A recent report by First Call, a child and advocacy group in Vancouver, featured on Global BC November 27th, 2013, found that BC has the highest child poverty rate in Canada; 5% above the national average which makes it more important for us to support local kids in any way we can.  Thanks to the caring staff at YMCA Little Scholars, a family will receive the same holiday cheer this season; a care package delivered right to their door from the hearts of the staff at the YMCA.

News from © iNFOnews, 2013