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FORT McMURRAY — The YMCA of Northern Alberta is expanding its child care and day camp programs to support families affected by the provincewide teachers’ strike.
The charity, one of Alberta’s largest child care providers, has added full-day options at 37 out-of-school care programs and opened four new day camps in Edmonton and Fort McMurray. It has also extended youth programming hours in Red Deer and continues to operate 24 licensed early years centres across northern Alberta.
“These are stressful times for many parents,” said Jody Kyle, the YMCA’s chief operations officer. “As a charity, we exist to strengthen community and help families when they need us most. Every child deserves a place to belong, to feel supported, and to shine.”
The YMCA says programs are nearly full, with about 95 per cent of available spaces already booked. More than 2,600 children and youth are expected to attend each day during the strike.
Edmonton parent Jessika L. said the expanded care allows her to keep working. “If it was not for the YMCA being able to support my family, I would be unable to work, which would affect my ability to provide for my children,” she said.
Programs are being offered on a first come, first served basis at YMCA centres in Edmonton, Fort McMurray, Red Deer and Grande Prairie.
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