B.C.’s first “trauma-informed” daycare with an Indigenous focus held its official opening in Colwood recently.
The Hulitan Early Childhood Years Centre, which has been operating since last month, offers free childcare to Indigenous children on the south Island.
The centre is run by the Hulitan Family and Community Services Society and has 48 childcare spaces, 24 for infants and toddlers and 24 for three- to five-year-olds.
Kendra Gage, the centre’s executive director, said not all of the children attending will have dealt with trauma, but “trauma-informed” means staff recognize they all have different needs.
Staff are trained to watch for behaviours or emotional triggers in children that could be linked to some form of trauma, and there is a higher-than-usual ratio of staff to children.
Therapists are available, as well.
“In some ways what [trauma-informed] means for me is we will do no further harm, or we will do no harm,” Gage said. “The important thing is that they come to a place where they feel safe.”
The centre also houses the Journeys of the Heart program — a cultural program for two- to five-year-olds and their caregivers that was previously held at a variety of school locations.
“Now Journeys of the Heart has a home,” Gage said.
Built with $5.1 million in funding from the Ministry of Education and Child Care, the centre sits on property that used to be a field at neighbouring Colwood Elementary School.
The Sooke School District is leasing the land to the centre for $1 a year over the next 15 years, which Gage said means that more funds can go directly to services for the children.
United Way Southern Vancouver Island has been fundraising for the centre, and the Telus Vancouver Island Community Board gave it a $50,000 grant.
• Donations to the centre can be made at uwsvi.ca/hulitan-family-services-trauma-informed-daycare/.
Taylor Swift tickets up for grabs at gala
Two tickets for Taylor Swift’s sold-out show in Vancouver on Dec. 6 have been donated to the Saanich Peninsula Hospital and Healthcare Foundation, and will be the featured item in its upcoming Spirit Gala Silent Auction.
The tickets were donated by PavCo and the B.C. Place Community Benefit Program.
The silent auction goes live online on Monday, with bids accepted through Saturday, when the sold-out Spirit Gala will be held at the Mary Winspear Centre — marking the Saanich Peninsula Hospital’s 50th anniversary.
The gala and silent auction are raising funds to renovate the hospital’s acute-care unit.
“We were all surprised when we got the news about the ticket donation,” said foundation chief executive Heather Edward. “It is an incredible opportunity for our small community to benefit from such a global event. We’re especially excited that our silent auction is online, meaning anyone can bid on the tickets — they don’t have to be at the gala to take part.”
The tickets are among more than 100 donated lots in the silent auction, including other concerts as well as trips, gift baskets, art and jewelry.
• The link to the silent auction will be available on Monday at sphf.ca/spirit-gala-2024/.
Ria Mae headlines show for Community Living Victoria
Singer/songwriter and three-time Juno nominee Ria Mae will take the stage at the McPherson Playhouse in a return performance for Community Living Victoria at its 15th Concert for Hope. Help. Home.
The concert is set for Nov. 15 at 7:30 p.m.
“Community Living Victoria changes people’s lives, providing people with intellectual disabilities and their families the tools and skills they need to lead full and vibrant lives,” Mae said. “I am thrilled to return to Victoria to celebrate them and help Community Living Victoria achieve their goals.”
Community Living Victoria executive director Mike Jensen said Mae’s first appearance at the concert in 2019 was a big success and the organization is thrilled to have her back.
A group of parents founded what would become Community Living Victoria in 1955.
• For more information and tickets, visit communitylivingvictoria.ca/events/a-concert-for-hope-help-home-featuring-ria-mae/
Help Central Saanich with parks and trails plan
The District of Central Saanich is looking for community input on its draft Parks & Trails Master Plan, which will help guide the municipality’s parks and trails network for the next 10 to 20 years.
“One of the best things about Central Saanich is its natural beauty and we are fortunate to be able to enjoy it through municipal parks and trails,” said Central Saanich Mayor Ryan Windsor. “We are looking forward to hearing what the community wants to see prioritized for future improvements.”
The draft plan will build on public feedback last fall when efforts began to update the existing plan for the first time since 1996.
It will also incorporate input received through the Official Community Plan review, the Active Transportation Plan, the Saanichton Village Design Plan and other initiatives.
A virtual open house is set for Tuesday from 6-7 p.m, with registration required at letstalkcentralsaanich.ca/parksandtrails, while a survey is open until Nov. 29 at surveymonkey.com/r/csparksandtrails.
The survey can take up to 20 minutes to complete
The district said it is looking to balance recreational, environmental and accessibility needs.
Suggestions to date have included expanding and improving walking and cycling trails and shoreline-access points, and providing more playgrounds, sports facilities and picnic areas.
