SENATORS’ STATEMENTS — East Preston Day Care Centre
Congratulations on Forty-fifth Anniversary
February 4, 2020
Honourable senators, I rise today to recognize the forty-fifth anniversary of the East Preston Day Care Centre.
This intergenerational non-profit organization nurtures, empowers, educates and supports families in my home community of East Preston. The East Preston Day Care’s diverse programming promotes healthy child development.
In 1974, Reverend Dr. Joyce Ross founded the daycare after identifying a need for community-based child care to support the families of East Preston. The establishment of the East Preston Day Care provided many families the opportunity to work or attend school while their children were well cared for.
Congratulations to Trina Fraser, who has stepped into the challenging role of executive director, building upon Dr. Ross’s foundation in this ever-growing organization with deep roots.
Last fall, my Senate team and I had the opportunity to visit the East Preston Day Care Centre, where we met children of all ages and learned about their creative, educational and healthy activities. We met the daycare providers, some of whom attended the daycare as children themselves and are now pursuing early childhood education certification.
We also visited the East Preston Family Resource Centre, a branch of the daycare centre, where a volunteer was preparing for the parenting group that evening. The family resource centre serves as a community hub, hosting a wide range of programs and services.
I would like to recognize some of the East Preston Day Care team members for their many years of service: Birley Downie has been with the daycare for 25 years; Kim McMullin and Sandra Colley for 27 years; and Juanita Smith for 32 years. It is the dedication of these team members that allows the East Preston Day Care Centre to continue their important work.
Honourable senators, please join me in thanking Reverend Dr. Ross, Trina Fraser and all of the East Preston Day Care team members for their significant contributions to our community over the last 45 years. Thank you.
