Photo: Contributed
With a goal of spreading some holiday cheer, the YMCA of Okanagan hosted a free event for families called Crafts, Cookies and Carols this past Saturday at its Penticton child care centre.
“We are happy to be a part of the Penticton community, and we’re grateful to share the holiday spirit with families,” YMCA child care general manager Danielle Miranda says. “What better way to do that than to spend the afternoon enjoying festive treats, crafts and activities with Santa!”
The event took place at the YMCA’s Queens Park Child Care Centre at 630 Birch Ave., which opened to the community in the spring of 2019 offering care for ages 0-12 as well as preschool.
Even Santa made an appearance, handing out candy canes and goodies to children in attendance.
The YMCA’s Queens Park Child Care Centre is relatively new to the community, but the local charity has been operating programs in Penticton for children, youth and families for more than 15 years, and is invested in helping families in the area realize their potential.
“At the YMCA of Okanagan, our goal is to build healthy, connected communities,” Miranda explains. “We are dedicated to helping children and families realize their potential, and that begins when a child is in their earliest years. We want to make sure families have the supports they need to receive quality care and education for their children and to remain connected in their community throughout every stage of their life—without financial means holding them back—which is what our local services and events like this are centred around.”
The charity’s local programs include after-school support for teens with autism, career development services, youth mindfulness services, family playtime and more—all offered free to the community.
And the Y’s child care centre is also accessible to all, with financial assistance available to families who cannot afford the full fee for care.
“We want families to know that we are here for them,” Miranda says. “Whether it is an event like this, care for their children, or a support network of people who believe in them, the YMCA is here for families.”
Learn more about the variety of YMCA services available in Penticton, including child care and community programs.
This article is written by or on behalf of the sponsoring client and does not necessarily reflect the views of Okanagan Edge.
All Think Local Stories
