The Children's Centre of Fort McMurray - Christmas Gift Wrap 2013
Recently, Rotary members came together to offer the help of holiday support to a local non-profit, The Children’s Centre, that works on the front lines and with the most vulnerable of our community. The Children's Centre evolved when gaps in existing services for at-risk children 0 to 6 years of age, and their families, were identified within Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo.
Rotary members gathered at the home of Terry and Val Cooper to share in the gift-wrapping of select items that they hope will lighten the load of local parents identified by Ruby Canning of The Children’s Centre.
The Children's Centre Non Profit Society of Fort McMurray was established as a Non Profit Society in 1992. Among the society’s initiatives is the delivery of information and support concerning pre-natal issues for would-be mothers, who are sometimes under 20 years of age, possibly living isolated, often on limited incomes. Advice is provided on alternatives to poor nutrition and eating habits and other pre-natal areas that help lead to the birth of healthier babies.
"We hope our efforts lighten the load of this family in a situation all too typical of new families in our locality. “ said Matt Creighton. “They have three boys between three and ten years old so obviously every bit helps."
This particular family, Ruby Canning told Rotary, lives in Keyano housing. The mother is toiling diligently learning English and upgrading her trade. The father works a janitorial job as he studies and prepares to write papers to get certified in his trade in Canada.
With this in mind our Rotary elves hit the busy shopping aisles last week for Santa, armed with the clothing size for each of the three little boys. Later they gathered at the home of Terry Cooper for a gift-wrapping frenzy. Fueled by good cheer and chowing down on Val’s cuisine the Rotarians busied themselves until every last gift was made to look “under the tree ready”.
The gifts will be given to Ruby Canning of the Children’s Centre with fondest wishes that they help this deserving family during the holiday season. Loading the mountain of boxes into his vehicle Matt capsulized the evening’s work.“There is a natural bridge between the values of Rotary and the aims of the Children’s Centre. By fostering a sense of wellness and confidence in parents and children we build a community. They are empowering families in their efforts to help themselves.”
Rotary is known universally for its good works. The Children’s Centre may be less known, but ever day they are doing great work in our community.