KAMSACK — A celebration was held at the Kamsack Family Resource Centre Sept. 24 to mark the organization’s 10th anniversary in the community as well as its re-opening in a building at 434 First Street.
Since the closure of Crowstand Centre about two years ago, the centre, which had been located in the building, found a temporary site until this summer when the operation was moved to the First Street building. Originally, the building was where telephone operators had made the connections so that people could talk to one another, and then, after renovations, the building had served as the office for Ritchie Enterprises.
With several, mostly preschool-age children romping and playing in the centre’s main room, Megan Holodniuk, the co-ordinator of the resource centre, introduced her assistant, Devin Hootz, who is the early years facilitator, and the guest speakers: Kamsack Mayor Beth Dix; Sean Wilson, Canora-Pelly MLA, and Andrew Sedley of Yorkton, the executive director of SIGN (Society for the Involvement of Good Neighbours), which is the parent organization of the centre.
“Happy anniversary,” Mayor Beth Dix said as she congratulated staff and parents on the new facility.
“I’d like to thank everyone for 10 years of providing quality support,” Sedley said, recalling the beginnings of the Kamsack centre where only one or two families were participating.
“To see where you are now” is remarkable, he said, adding that appreciation must to go Megan Holodniuk, who “made the centre what it is.
“This centre will make an everlasting contribution to the community,” he said.
“What a fast 10 years it has been since SIGN first opened its doors to our community here in Kamsack,” Wilson said, adding that SIGN has been serving the people of Saskatchewan for over 50 years.
Wilson extended his appreciation “for everything you do in our area of the province and beyond,” and said that when one looks at the mission of SIGN, one sees that the organization is not just investing in community, family, mental health or recreation, but has dedicated time and resources to empowering the future of Saskatchewan.
“The number of programs on your monthly calendar is impressive and truly appreciated,” he said. “Empowered communities raise amazing future leaders and creates a culture where kindness and consideration for others are the foundation of everything else.
Gov't committed to ensuring children have best start
“How we care for others is our legacy and SIGN has created a long-lasting one in Kamsack. Our government is also committed to ensuring our children have the best start possible in their lives and education.
‘With new literacy programs and ever-increasing supports and programs for classroom teachers, including $1.1 million given to teacher-led projects this year, we are pleased to listen and learn from the educators in our province who guide our children every day.
“The same goes for day care support,” he said. “We look forward to renewing the contract with the federal government to ensure the best possible care of our little ones and job security for those in the day care industry.
“This summer we also partnered with Sask Polytechnic and Northlands College to open 450-day care spaces. With seven new schools under development, we are proud to be always looking for new ways to support the education and wellbeing of our children. In the next four years there will be 200 more classrooms all around our province.
“It’s a pleasure to be here to celebrate with you today and express our government’s appreciation for all the work SIGN does for the great people of Saskatchewan.”
Decorated cupcakes and juice were enjoyed before visitors were taken on a tour of the facility which includes a large downstairs playroom.
Everyone made their way up to the building’s rooftop patio where youngsters were encouraged to participate in an egg-drop competition for which they first wrapped their eggs in Styrofoam, tape and various protective wrappings before dropping them to the ground to see whose creation best protected the egg.
