Children's program continues to grow
Open Doors highlights successes at society annual general meeting
April Hudson
Northern News Services
Thursday, October 22, 2015
LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON
Members of the Open Doors Society in Fort Simpson are looking forward to offering another year of programming for young children in the community.
The society held its annual general meeting on Oct. 15, where staff and members received a financial update and a rundown of summer programming, as well as a recap of successful programs from last year.
The financial report was delivered by John Herring, who said the society brought in $185,665 in revenue for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2015.
"We spent all we took in, which is kind of our objective," he noted.
The society received the majority of its funding, nearly $150,000, from the federal government. It also added to its financial "cushion," Herring said - a $60,000 savings the society can tap into to tide it over if government funding drops off.
Expenses include $750 per month in rent for use of a room at Bompas Elementary School, as well as $525 per month in rent, not including GST, for use of the recreation centre.
Staff member Alex Roche expects to send a letter to the village soon outlining some deficiencies with the recreation centre, including some safety concerns with lights not being covered, as well as issues with other users leaving garbage on the ground.
Chairperson Val Gendron said 2014-15 was a successful year for the society, which saw its Busy Bees programming complete its 15th year.
"The kids had a great time and participated daily in physical and social activities," Gendron said.
"It was a highly successful year for children and staff."
Staff have now moved to offer Active After School programming for children and youth every day.
Additionally, Gendron said the society's two-week summer program was a success.
"This is about meeting the needs of our community," she said.
Roche said despite some staff turnover earlier in the school year, current staff are training well.
Going forward, Gendron will remain as chairperson while Leanne Jose will take over as vice-chair.
