Fundraising Efforts Continue for Coleville’s Daycare Homes
Daycares across Canada face many hurdles, and like every community, Coleville has dealt with a lack of daycare spaces for quite some time. So, in May of 2023, Teneal Dales, Jacalyn Benjaminson, Stacey Neumeier, Kathy Sproule, Jenna Pumfrey, Rebecca Phillips, Jennifer Miller, Chenille Semple, and Leina Dillabaugh formed an informal committee to explore options.
“We knew we needed to find more spaces for the kids in our area, but we also knew that constructing a $600,000-plus center was going to be out of reach for our community,” shared Kathy Sproule.
Many years ago, a consultant with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Early Learning and Childcare suggested the community look at purchasing a residential property and leasing it to a daycare operator, but at that time, Coleville was not in a position to consider the project. However, as the need for more spaces continued to grow, the idea of a residential property was revisited.
“Our committee put together a proposal in 2023 and met with the Village of Coleville council, the RM of Oakdale council, Coleville Recreation Board, and the Coleville Community Endowment Fund Board. In May 2023, we calculated we would need about 32 spaces for kids, about 75% of which would be full-time care,” explained Kathy.
The group’s plan was to purchase two residential properties and lease them out to become licensed group daycare homes. The houses would start with 16 spaces and grow to 24 spaces once licensed. These houses will be owned by the community under the umbrella of the Coleville Community Endowment Fund—a registered non-profit organization.
“With the support of both councils and initial financial support from Coleville Recreation and the Endowment Fund board, we were able to move forward with the purchase of two houses in Coleville,” Kathy explained.
The group estimates the total cost of the project to be roughly $215,000, with the added cost of child-sized furnishings.
“Coleville Recreation provided a $100,000 cash donation. Our committee also raised over $40,000 in an initial community solicitation of local businesses and individuals, and the Endowment Fund has provided a low-interest loan of $65,000. We also have raised another $3,900 through our Coleville Fowl Supper and a Christmas Flower sale,” shared Kathy.
The group has completed some renovations on the houses, but fire code upgrades, new flooring, a fence for one of the houses, new steps, and a possible furnace upgrade are still required. Kathy also shared that fundraising will continue over the next few years as they repay the loan and set up a cushion for property maintenance.
To help move renovations along, the next fundraiser is planned for Saturday, April 13. Coleville’s Surf and Turf for Tots will be similar to the previous Lobster and Kabob Nights Coleville was famous for. The event includes a Lobster and Kabob dinner followed by a Silent Auction and DJ music in the evening. Tickets for the event are $65.00 and are available through the Village Office in Coleville.
Although fundraising efforts are ongoing, it won’t be long before things are up and running. “The daycare committee expects to begin advertising for the actual daycare operators this month. We hope to be operational by mid-June and licensed shortly thereafter. The programs offered within the daycares will follow the Early Learning and Childcare guidelines for licensed homes. Right now, we currently have a waiting list set up for children requiring care, but should anyone wish to be added to the list, they may contact me, Kathy Sproule, at 306-460-8320.”
If you would like to donate toward the renovation costs, you can contact: Kathy Sproule at 306-460-8320 or Stacey Neumeier at 306-430-7788.
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