Free Childcare Now Offered at the Bonnyville Friendship Centre

The Bonnyville Friendship Centre is rolling out a brand-new program that’s sure to have local parents breathing a sigh of relief. Starting next week, families will be able to access free childcare right at the Centre, thanks to the launch of the Friendship Tribe program.

A New Space for Little Ones

Downstairs at the Friendship Centre has been completely transformed. What used to be a plain basement now looks like a cozy daycare space, complete with crafts, books, toys, climbing structures, and Lego.

“It has been completely redone down here. Everything has been updated and painted, and now it’s a beautiful space that is warm and cozy and welcoming for all of our little people,” explained Cynthia Gamache, Director of Crisis Supports at the Centre.

The Friendship Tribe program is designed for children ages two to four and will run three days a week from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m.

How It Works

Parents do need to register, but the format is simple and flexible. You just call the morning of the day you’d like to bring your child, and if there’s space, you’re in.

“First come, first serve,” said Gamache. “You call in the morning, you put them on the list, you come fill out the registration form once, and then you’re set to call in and register whenever you need it.”

That means if Monday fills up, you can always try again Tuesday morning.

And the Best Part? It’s Free.

Yes, you read that right—free childcare.

“In true Friendship Centre fashion, this program is free,” said Gamache. “You need an appointment, you need a break, you need to get some housework done—this is a great opportunity to bring them down here and it doesn’t cost you anything. That’s a huge barrier in our community, finding affordable childcare, so we are once again trying to fill that gap.”

Still Time to Support the Gala

On top of launching free childcare, the Centre is also gearing up for its annual Studio 54 Gala on September 26th. Tables and individual tickets are still available, and costumes are encouraged—but not required. “It’s Studio 54, so everything goes,” Gamache laughed.