After 40 years of operation, the Childhood Connections centre in Kelowna is facing closure after the provincial government chose not to renew its contract, which was the main source of funding for the organization. The centre has been a cornerstone in the Central Okanagan community, providing valuable services to families and childcare providers. A rally was held over the weekend to show support for the centre and urge the government to reconsider its decision. Board director Betty Cleland expressed concern about the future of the centre, stating that without funding, the organization’s future is uncertain.
Parents, families, and centre users gathered at the rally to express their appreciation for Childhood Connections and to call on the government to find a way to keep the centre operational. Many community members believe that the government should consider the impact of closing the centre on local families and children, rather than solely focusing on financial considerations. One centre user, Moshe Yaroski, emphasized the importance of looking at the bigger picture and making decisions based on the needs of the community, rather than just financial factors.
The closure of Childhood Connections will have far-reaching effects, with services such as the toy library being shut down and not transferred to the new organization that won the contract bid, the YMCA. This decision is concerning to many centre users, such as Melissa Costa, who feel that valuable resources will be lost in the transition. West Kelowna city councillor Garrett Millsap, who also uses the centre, highlighted the impact of the closure on children in both Kelowna and West Kelowna, emphasizing the importance of keeping the facility open for the community.
Despite losing the contract to the YMCA, Childhood Connections centre staff are not giving up the fight to stay open. They are continuing to advocate for the government to reconsider its decision and find a way to keep the centre running. The community has rallied behind the centre, showing their support and appreciation for the valuable services it provides to families in the area. The closure of the centre would be a significant loss for the community, and many are hopeful that a solution can be found to keep it operational for years to come.
In light of the potential closure of Childhood Connections, there are many unanswered questions about the future of the centre and the impact it will have on local families. Community members are urging the government to rethink its decision and consider the vital role that the centre plays in supporting families and childcare providers in the Central Okanagan. The fight to keep the centre open is ongoing, with supporters continuing to advocate for its importance in the community. Ultimately, the fate of Childhood Connections rests in the hands of the government, and many are hopeful that a resolution can be reached to ensure the continued operation of this essential community resource.
