Dignitaries take part of the official ribbon cutting ceremony. Left-right are High Prairie and District Children’s Resource Council board chair Lois Dunn, Lesser Slave Lake MLA Danielle Larivee, CRC vice-chair Barry Sharkawi, and Town of High Prairie Mayor Linda Cox.

Chris Clegg
South Peace News

Despite all the hardships, disappointment, frustration, and delays, it was well worth it.

After all, it was done for the children!

The High Prairie and District Children’s Resource Council celebrated its grand opening in the old House of Furniture Building Oct. 1.

“The CRC is committed to actively improving the quality of life for every child, parent and family in the Big Lakes and Smoky River communities,” said CRC vice-chair Barry Sharkawi in his speech.
“Our goal is for all children, regardless of race, creed or circumstances, to help them achieve their full potential.”

The new, spacious facility will help the CRC offer better programming in a better atmosphere of learning.

Town of High Prairie Mayor Linda Cox offered congratulations.

“Today, we stand in a facility that is the envy of other small towns our size,” said Cox. “Two years ago, the province recognized the Children’s Resource Centre’s quality of programming when it opened one of Alberta’s first Parent Links in the CRC facilities. New residents with small children gravitate to the CRC as they find their footing in our community. It is an organization recommended by all the social support services in our town.”

Since its inception over 20 years ago, the CRC has always rented space.

“So for the last 20 years, the CRC has never really arrived at a place to call home. Until today,” said Cox.

She concluded by congratulating past and present staff for realizing their dream.

Lesser Slave Lake MLA Danielle Larivee echoed Cox’s comments and said her government was a staunch supporter of supporting Alberta’s children.

“This role includes education, prevention and early intervention services for parents with young children,” she said.
“As a mother of three children, I can appreciate how important the centre will be for parents and their children. The centre will play a key role in early childhood development.
“Every child deserves to grow up in a safe, healthy environment that nurtures their development and prepares them for a bight future,” added Larivee.

The Alberta government has funded 55 Parent Link Centres in 190 communities, including High Prairie.

High Prairie and District Children’s Resource Council staff attended the ribbon cutting ceremony. Left-right are receptionist Annette Forrester, Stronger Together family coach Angela Tallman, Brighter Futures program facilitator Tanya Auger, Parent Link program coordinator Roni Davis, executive director Lindsay Davies, Good Start program coordinator/facilitator Jenny Kay, office manager Denise Willier, Parent Link coordinator Peggy McCarthy and Parent Link program coordinator/facilitator assistant Shauna Gauthier. Call the CRC at [780] 523-2715.