A non-profit childcare society in Gibsons is fundraising for a fenced art and play garden in order to care for more children.
Huckleberry Coast Childcare Society currently operates in the Gibsons Arts Building under a part-time care model because the society doesn’t qualify for a “group” licence without having a dedicated outdoor space for kids.
“My hope, as president of Huckleberry, is that if we can build a fenced play garden and expand our hours under a group licence, we can hire more staff and take additional children,” Bronwen Payerle said.
The society started providing childcare this September for kids aged three to five. Currently they have nine children enrolled. Payerle would like to be able to accommodate 16 or more, noting there is a need for more childcare spaces on the Sunshine Coast.
The first step is raising $5,000 for the fenced art and play garden, which Payerle notes will suit all users of the Arts Building.
The online fundraising page at www.wayblaze.com describes the outdoor space.
“The design and creation of a sculptural play environment using natural landscape, natural materials and native plants will showcase the Coast’s motifs of forest, ocean and shoreline; the garden will encourage environmental stewardship and generate educational opportunities for the community through hands-on learning and tactile involvement,” the fundraising page says.
“Creation of the play garden will invite participation of all ages through building and planting.”
Currently Huckleberry Coast Childcare Society has raised $1,165; more is needed before the fundraiser ends on Dec. 12.
In an effort to bump up donations, Payerle is also holding a Hoppin’ Huckleberry Hoopla on Dec. 11. The family-friendly dinner and dance starts at 4 p.m. at the Gibsons United Church Hall and features live music from Kevin and Tracy Stremlaw, Simon Hocking, Jenny Groves and Charlie Watts. Tickets are $18/adult, $7/child and available until Nov. 28 at Giggle n’ Bloom in Gibsons.
Find out more about the childcare society at www.huckleberrycoast.ca
