The Southwest Day Care and Early Learning Centre could be facing permanent closure due to a large-scale renovation project that will cost the local non-profit organization upwards of $200,000 to complete.
To help meet the growing cost of repairs, Southwest Day Care is launching a fundraising campaign with a rib and Caesar salad night to be held at The Crushed Can on Friday, April 26. The fundraiser will include a penny parade, silent auction, 50/50 draw, and will run from 4 – 8 p.m.
“A seemingly cosmetic update to our building in May 2023 turned into an ever-unfolding project with more hurdles and surprises than we could have ever imagined,” wrote Lucille Gilliand, Southwest Day Care’s executive director.
“For the safety of our children and staff, we immediately closed the doors to our building.”
Southwest Day Care opened in 1975 and is one of Moose Jaw’s oldest operational day care centres. Since opening, the facility has cared for more than 2,000 children and remains a leader and innovator in the provincial childcare industry.
At full capacity, the non-profit day care provides space for 54 children between the ages of 18 months – 12 years and employs 15 individuals. One quarter of the facility’s enrolment is dedicated to children with special needs and medical requirements.
Due to space constraints, the day care lost 14 seats and can now only accommodate 40 children until the building’s repairs have been completed.
Southwest Day Care normally operates out of its permanent facility at 504 Fourth Avenue Southwest, and now operates out of Empire School located at 500 Coteau Street West on a temporary basis.
For Southwest Day Care to continue serving Moose Jaw, the community’s support is needed more than ever before.
In May 2023, a simple ceiling tile upgrade turned into a major structural renovation project that now includes a new roof structure and rebuilding the main floor interior. Late last November, crews also discovered an urgent need to replace the cast iron sewer lines running to the building.
For the non-profit to cover the cost of this renovation, the newly renovated building will feature a permanent donor wall to recognize everyone who has helped contribute during this time of need.
“Southwest Day Care would like to thank all those who have supported them through this difficult time and in advance, thank those who will support them in the future,” an official press release stated.
“Every dollar raised will contribute to preserving their legacy, (and will leave) a lasting imprint on the hearts and minds of children today and for generations to come.”
Southwest Day Care’s mission is to provide an inclusive, safe, and nurturing environment with the goal of promoting the holistic development of all children in its care. The organization’s hours run from 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. on weekdays and is closed on weekends, with no schedule change at its new temporary location.
To purchase tickets in support of the local daycare facility, contact either Lucille Gilliland or Taylor Brake at 306-681-3838 or by email at Swdc_elc@outlook.com. Tickets are being sold for $25 apiece and 150 are available for purchase.
The Crushed Can Rec Room and Bar is located at 82 Manitoba Street West.
For more information, visit the centre’s Facebook page, ‘Southwest Day Care and Early Learning Centre.’
