Grateful for the Generosity that Keeps Childcare Clean & Safe
Childcare is important and offers lifelong social, economic and academic benefits for children and their parents. The Salvation Army has 5 Childcare centres that are spread out across Mississauga, Brampton, and Scarborough. These centres are very similar to others in that parents drop their children off for daily activities and classes, picking them up at the end of the day. What sets The Salvation Army’s apart is its holistic approach of including faith-based programming into each day.
Generous donations as well as municipal funding makes it possible for parents to bring their children to the childcare centres. For parents in need of extra help, a subsidy is available so that quality care in a well-supported environment is accessible.
The Salvation Army has a certain special appeal because of its long history of established resources in social services, spirituality, community, and importantly, access to extra staff and extra cleaning. Additional sanitization procedures have been implemented in an effort to eliminate bacteria, viruses, and to stop the spread of Covid-19. PPE has been generously provided to The Salvation Army, so that municipal and donor funding can go towards hiring the extra staff members, cleaning staff, and supplies. Recently, a notable donation was made by Clorox, as Daycare Services Director, Linda Gilbert explained, “Clorox donated several skids of bleach to The Salvation Army. Knowing that our childcare centres use bleach on a regular basis, this donation was so valuable to us. We mix the solution in the appropriate ratios every day to clean floors and surfaces. When we don’t need to spend valuable financial resources on things like this, it makes a huge difference.”
There is a certain synergy that occurs when public support meets product donations of this kind. Balanced also with municipal support, The Salvation Army is able to operate with a solid foundation that keeps the exceptional work going. The Salvation Army Childcare services are able to refer families in need to any resources available through its Community and Family Services offices.
“We are so grateful for the constant momentum of contributions, and are fortunate to be operating safely and continuously, especially throughout this time that has been so difficult for many people.” –Linda Gilbert, Daycare Services Director.
To support The Salvation Army, donate online at www.salvationarmy.ca where you can make a donation to a specific program or location. You can also donate by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY.
By Bianca Schmutz
