After lengthy deliberations, the Fernie Child Care Society (FCCS) has determined they will be moving their licensed group childcare facility to Max Turyk School.
Plans are in place to move from their current location on 2nd Avenue by the end of March, and the FCCS — the only non-home based licensed group childcare facility for children five and under in Fernie — are working diligently to renovate the two rooms they will be taking over in Max Turyk.
“It’s a big project,” Jikke Gyorki FCCS Treasurer & Project Coordinator said. “[But] we knew we had to do this for the sustainability of the daycare.”
Gyorki said FCCS decided to move the childcare facility due to the building’s age and the uncertain future of the current facility.
“It’s getting to be such an old building that it’s cost prohibitive,” she noted. “Maintaining our expenses is really important.”
Unfortunately, in order for the non-profit charitable organization to relocate, Max Turyk has to undergo some major renovations, including the addition of toilets and sinks in the rooms.
The local childcare facility relies on donations, including already received funds from the Columbia Basin Trust ($40,000), Fernie Alpine Resort Summit Fund and local contributions.
“It’s been a huge project because it’s all been funded by volunteers,” Gyorki noted. “We’re still looking for any help with funding for the project.”
She went on to say, “We wanted to let the public know that this is happening because it is a big community essential service.”
With waiting lists and limitations when it comes to staffing childcare facilities, Gyorki said she is excited to have been given this opportunity to find a facility that will service the community.
“It’s just super exciting to have a new facility that’s really going to fit the needs of the children and parents,” she said. “The good thing about Max Turyk is that it does have the capacity to expand.”
FCCS is still looking for assistance with packing and moving as well as cleaning up and repairing the old facility. They are asking the public to assist in the cost of renovations, new child development supplies , as well as new furniture and bedding.
For more information on how to donate or assist with this project contact Jikke Gyorki at 250-430-7878 or email her at jikke.gyorki@gmail.com