New daycare in Gladstone ‘One big grant away’
- Details
- Published on Thursday, January 14, 2016
Phot by Kate Jackman-Atkinson. In October of 2014, HRCC unveiled a sign that outlined building plans and fundraising goals on their newly purchased property.
Submitted Article
The Neepawa Banner
Since 2011, Happy Rock Children’s Centre (HRCC) has been raising money to build a new daycare centre in Gladstone. So far, they have raised about one quarter of their goal of $675,000.
Along with fundraising events put on by the HRCC Building Fund Committee, HRCC has raised money through donations and events organized by organizations in the community. The centre would like to thank Delmar Commodities, Austin Credit Union, Big Grass Community Foundation, Kinsmen, Gladstone Kinesota Trails EMS staff and Royal Purple for their support through donations and fundraising events.
With the money they have collected to date, HRCC has been able to purchase a parcel of land right next to the elementary school. This location is ideal for the centre and for the parents who need a place for their children to go before or after school.
Now that they have building plans, Jennifer Meloney, HRCC director, noted that they are just waiting for a grant approval to begin construction. “We’re one big grant away,” she said. She explained that with the provincial election this year, it might take a while for them to hear back about the grant, but once it’s approved, they will start building as soon as possible.
In the mean time, HRCC is going to hold their first fundraiser of 2016 this Saturday, Jan. 16. CFRY Radio is holding an Amateur Talent Night, starting at 8:00 pm, with proceeds going to the building fund. Anyone wanting to sign up to perform that night is still welcome to do so. To sign up, call Jennifer Meloney at 204-871-6687.
The performance will be held at the Gladstone District Community Centre and everyone is welcome to attend. Admission will be at the door. Those not able to attend, but still wanting to support HRCC, can tune in to CFRY Radio during the event and phone in pledges for their favourite performer. Meloney said that they hope to raise about $5,000 from this event.
HRCC is always accepting donations to bring them closer to their goal. The HRCC Building fund intends to remain on the list of charities to choose from on Gladstone’s Community Canvas and Clarke’s Funeral Home Memorial Fund. Anyone interested in making a donation to the building fund can contact Meloney at the centre at 204-385-3046.
