Little Munchkins Daycare finds new home
By Andrea Arnold
McBride childcare provider, Little Munchkins will soon be able to almost double its capacity, and increase staff numbers.
In a partnership with the McBride Community Forest Corporation, renovations have begun to transform the former Scotiabank location into the new home of Little Munchkins.
Founder Tabatha Reis says she is very excited for this new phase.
“I’ve been trying for three years to find a permanent home for all three programs,” she said. “Forget plan A and B, I think this must be plan H.”
“Reis came to us about a year and a half ago,” said MCFC Board Chairman Mike Monroe. “We committed at that time to match her fundraising dollar for dollar. Then, when she came to us with the idea of buying the old bank building, I think she was surprised when we agreed.”
General Manager Craig Pryor, and Financial Manager Samantha Palmer, along with Monroe agreed that there is always a risk when the MCFC invests in something but that Reis is capable and driven and they believe she will do great things with the investment.
“This is a valuable and needed service for any community,” said Monroe. “The Community Forest needs to be community minded. It’s good we are able to give back to the community in this way. This will benefit residents from Dunster to Dome Creek, as well as create more jobs.”
Reis confirmed that once the childcare center is operating at full capacity in the new building, she will need four or five more employees. She would like to see residents apply and says there is funding available to train the right candidates.
The first phase of renovations is in process and Reis plans to move the after-school program in at the start of October. Phase two will require further renovations in order to move the rest of the children in. Phase three will open up a gym-type space and kitchenette for community use.
When the news broke that the empty bank building would require some intense renovations in order to meet emergency exit requirements, community members jumped to the defense of the train mural that runs down the whole north side of the building.
The mural , a 1950’s CNR passenger train, was painted by local Robson Valley artist, Glen Frear, about 20 years ago.
“110 feet long, and 9 feet high, the mural has held up surprisingly well with only minor retouching needed,” said Dannielle Alan.
A rumor began circulating around the community that the mural would be completely destroyed.
However, so far, contractors have been able to cut in and install windows with minimal damage. MCFC members say they would like to see it protected as much as it can be during the transition.
“I find it encouraging that they’re working to preserve the mural if possible,” said Alan. “We have also been photographing it in order to preserve the memory and perhaps create a reproduction if that is wanted.”
Monroe says that they plan to change the front of the building as well, beautifying the empty building and as a result, sprucing up Main Street.
Through negotiations, MCFC was able to purchase the building from Scotiabank well below the asking price. This allowed them to foot the bill for this first round of renovations.
“Little Munchkins has signed a 10-year lease agreement for the use of the building,” said Monroe. “We understand that more renovations are needed, and that Little Munchkins will be responsible for those. We have an agreed upon floor plan, but the details will be up to them.”
Reis says Little Munchkins has been and will continue to fundraise, apply for grants, look for sponsors and manage their budget very carefully. She says they plan to honour their financial supporters through a visual display within the building.
Three years ago when Reis and her family moved to McBride she saw the need for childcare services. She has been building the program with support from the community, the staff and her family.
“Communities need this service to attract and retain residents,” she said. “We have kids whose parents are doctors, paramedics, teachers, and social workers to name a few. Placement within the program is an added incentive for Northern Health employees moving to the area with kids.”
Reis says that if the program is full, it doesn’t mean a local child will lose their spot for an incoming NH employee’s child. If that’s the case the incoming child will be put on the wait list.
She can’t wait to get all the kids under one roof in a building designed to help them meet the needs of all the kids within the program.
“I have no doubt that if anyone can do it, it’s her,” said Monroe. “She has the abilities and the community spirit to get it done.”
