First I want to thank you for your help in raising awareness about the Sundre Daycare. Unfortunately, there's an item that needs to be corrected and another further explained.
The only program that ends in June is the preschool program. The daycare program (age 0 ñ school-aged children) and the Valley Kids program (school-aged children) provide care year round. I understand that the three different programs can be confusing ó I myself still struggle with some of it.
Additionally, while we may be working on $20,000 of back debt, we have been working with all of our creditors to make a plan for repayment that spreads over several years. We are also applying for grants, doing additional fundraisers and asking for donations to assist with this repayment.
The reason I believe these issues need to be addressed as soon as possible is that we are working very hard to increase our enrolment and we are also asking the community to support us with our fundraisers and donations. I don't think anyone would register their children in the daycare or Valley Kids programs if they think they shut down for the summer as that is when the most out-of-school care is required.
I also don't think people are going to be too willing to send us any donations if they think we have to pay back the $20,000 right away to avoid closure. They might think that it is impossible and don't want to give to a lost cause, but that is not the case.
Chantel Sommerfeld
Sundre Daycare vice-president
