Generations of children in the Pembina Valley may remember spending parts of their formative years at Winkler Day Care Centre.
For five decades, the establishment has provided care based on its philosophy of creating an enriching environment that fosters a child's “natural curiosity, boundless energy, and unlimited questions.”
It’s a legacy — and a milestone — that will be celebrated this weekend.
A part of the Winkler landscape
For Ang Nickel, Winkler Day Care's director, the centre has become a fixture in the community over the years.
“We were here when some things were just being established,” she said.
The centre’s presence in the city has manifested through connections to other important organizations in Winkler, including Salem Home, with which the day care had a long-standing program that saw young children spending time with older residents before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Over the years, community organizations have also shown their support for the community resource.
“It’s amazing to have the grants that we've gotten from United Way, from Winkler Community Foundation and from [Youth in Philanthropy] at Garden Valley Collegiate,” said Nickel. “[It’s] amazing that people support us as we support kids growing.”
Change over the years
According to Nickel, the thriving environment that Winkler Day Care has created over the past half century is the result of development and changing priorities throughout the years.
During her 22-year tenure with the organization, she has witnessed the childcare field evolve, as well as mounting interest from the government in supporting this essential community service.
Related stories:
- 136-year legacy comes to a close for Mennonite Collegiate Institute
- Banana bucks are the hottest currency in Winkler — and they could win you a Nintendo Switch
She said recent government-implemented changes include providing $10-a-day childcare, increasing staff wages, and offering professional development opportunities.
“[The government] realizes that staff are playing an integral role in these children's lives, so that part's really cool,” she said. “Our staff work really hard, so to pay them for what they do is amazing. I am so thankful we are able to do that.”
The changes come for an industry that has been a hot topic in the Pembina Valley in recent decades.
A party in the park
To celebrate all that Winkler Day Care has become, the centre is hosting a celebration at North Point Trail Park in Winkler from 5:30-8:30 p.m. on Friday, July 18th.
Nickel says there will be bouncy castles, a petting zoo, face painting, yard games, The Bunker food truck, and the IceCycle, a local frozen novelty trike.
For the director, as much as the festivities are an opportunity to celebrate, it’s also a chance to reconnect.
“I would really like to see any past parents, board members, and kids [attend],” she said. “Come tell us some stories of what Winkler Day Care was like for you.”
Entry to Winkler Day Care’s celebration on the 18th is by donation.
With files from Ty Hildebrand