Childcare Society gets a brand-new play structure

By Brandie Majeau
Excited screams filled the air as parents and grandparents chased after toddlers. It was an exhilarating
day for the Seeds to Sprouts Childcare Society. Seeds to Sprouts began as a conversation around a
kitchen table, expressing a need for childcare in the Thorhild area. After countless hours by volunteers,
the dream finally came to fruition. In 2019, Seeds to Sprouts opened its doors with the donation of two
classrooms from Aspen View in Thorhild Central School. The society now employs eleven staff members
and is attended by forty-six children. Board members expressed their gratitude to all businesses,
organizations, and individuals that made this dream possible, right down to the donations and support
for the lunch program and snacks.

However, this gathering was not just about snacks and classrooms. On the evening of September 29,
they gathered to celebrate the ribbon cutting of the brand-new daycare playground. A tearful
acknowledgement was made regarding Don Evans, expressing that without his equipment and
donations, they would not be here. Kerrie Stanko, board president, offered heartfelt recognition, “We
are really grateful for the efforts of the late Don Evans in coordinating this purchase with Flaman. He
didn’t get to see the structure in place, but he would be happy to see the joy it brings the kids.” In
addition to Flaman Sales and Rentals, the numerous organizations and individuals that sponsor Seeds to
Sprouts Childcare Society are proudly displayed next to the playground facility. North Corridor Co-
operative, Aspen View School Division, Thorhild Central School, Thorhild County, Waste Management,
Pembina, Shell, North Parkland Power, North West Refinery, Westlock Prescription Center, Thorhild
Lions Club, Fortis, DDC Sand Gravel and Concrete, Hill Drilling, Mill Creek Sand and Gravel, Feledichuk
Family, and Rusinko & Sons Trucking Ltd. were all thanked by name, and most had a representative
attending the special event.

The humbling speeches could not fully convey how thankful this group and community are towards all
these wonderful contributors. The Society has become an overwhelming success and a staple of support
for families in the community. Stanko concluded the intimate ceremony by encouraging everyone to
come inside and enjoy a bite to eat. Smokehouse Grills, out of Morinville, arrived early with the
contribution of their grills and time, and had been busy flipping burgers that had been graciously
donated by Geiger Farms. They were ready to serve up the guests on this chilly autumn evening.