Dear Editor,
I would like to give an update to your readers on our Sanctuary program.
After 25 years of operation you would think that we could not expand our program but with the support of United Way BC we integrated their Life Skills program with our existing program.
The children are continuously learning and exploring new experiences.
This could be learning how to cook or bake or master simple sewing.
Their physical outlets include gym night, bike rides and walks with staff and volunteers.
They receive Mindfulness Sessions to help them manage their emotions and talking circles help them to discuss any problems they have, using the wisdom of the group to help them.
Donna from the Trail library comes for reading day and the VISAC gallery taps into their artistic side with pottery.
A really important part of our program is Community Engagement.
This includes Garbage Day when the children go through the parks and downtown picking up garbage with long pickers, gloves and garbage bags. Whoever picks up the most garbage wins.
Last year we took over part of the community garden.
The children planted and weeded and were able to harvest basil, but they also learned that gardening is hard work. They took the bounty of basil and made pesto sauce to give to their parents at Christmas.
The biggest outreach project has been assembling Care Kits for the unhoused in our community.
The children put together kits containing some toiletries and things like socks and toques and leaving the kits downtown.
The last care kits were completed with money that the children raised through a bottle drive organized by a parent.
They were filled with suggestions from CDS. Each care kit has a simple message from the child who made it. The children love making these kits.
We continue to practice a non-judgemental philosophy both in Sanctuary and in the community. Every Life Skill has a lesson which can include co-operation, conflict resolution and community, whether the community be Sanctuary or Trail.
The children feel part of the community which is very important for the future.
We are very proud of our program.
It is the only free childcare program that runs five days a week for 49 weeks a year.
If you would like to volunteer or discover more about the program you are welcome to attend our Annual General Meeting on April 9, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. in the Trail United Church Annex.
Barbara Gibson,
Generation to Generation Society, board member.
Generation to Generation Society operates downtown Trail’s after-school pre-teen centre known as “Sanctuary.” The society is made up of representatives who have come together to provide a safe space for all children aged eight to 12. The centre’s coordinator is responsible for developing and overseeing programming as well as training and managing staff and volunteers. There are approximately 70 society members. New members are always welcome and anyone interested is encouraged to attend their monthly meetings.