When the Burnaby Association for Community Inclusion (BACI) was informed in late 2024 that the lease on one of their $10 a Day ChildCareBC centres had been unexpectedly cut short, they reached out to community partners and began a challenging search for the centre’s new home. It was crucial that continual, affordable care could be offered to the children and families who depended on their services.
As one parent said at the time, “We’re desperate families in need of a miracle.” Without the guarantee of $10-a-day child care, parents wondered, “Does one of us give up our job, or switch to part-time? How will we make ends meet?”
Thankfully, a solution was found that exceeded all expectations. When the people at George Derby Centre learned that BACI was looking for a new home for their child care centre, they opened their doors and their hearts with warmth and hospitality. Together, the two organizations discovered a shared vision, and new partnership, for inter-generational connections and relationships.
The new Little Friends at George Derby $10 a Day ChildCareBC centre celebrated its official opening on May 1, with key community partners attending.
As Tanya Sather, BACI CEO, says, “We are thrilled at this exciting and unique opportunity to create a truly inclusive, inter-generational community with the children and seniors at George Derby Centre. Our deepest thanks go to the City of Burnaby, the $10 a Day ChildcareBC Team at the Ministry of Education and Child Care, Fraser Health, and the outstanding team at George Derby, for all that they have done to make Little Friends at George Derby Centre a reality for the 25 children and families we support and the over 300 individuals at George Derby.”
Ava Turner, George Derby Care Society Executive Director, states, “A dream has truly come to life with the children becoming part of the George Derby Care Society family. We have been incredibly fortunate to witness the joy and smiles that the children bring to our residents, their families, and our staff. The happiness and connection they have sparked is more beautiful than I could have ever imagined. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our Board of Directors, the City of Burnaby, $10 a Day ChildcareBC, Fraser Health, Miller Thomson LLP, Broadway Refrigeration, our dedicated George Derby Leadership Team, and BACI, with special appreciation to Tanya Sather and Jen Ghioda, for the incredible collaboration and support that made this dream a reality.”
“Congratulations to everyone involved in the re-opening of Little Friends at George Derby Child Care Centre,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Education and Child Care. “This $10 a Day ChildCareBC centre shows what’s possible when a community comes together. I was so impressed by the teamwork that helped make this new location a reality. It’s a special place where children can learn and grow — and a great way to kick off Child Care Month.”
Little Friends at Geroge Derby is funded by the Province in partnership with the federal government under the Canada-British Columbia Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement to support the goal of ensuring families can access high-quality, affordable and inclusive early learning and child care.
George Derby Centre has a proud legacy of delivering compassionate and inclusive care for veterans and eligible civilians. Deeply rooted in service, the Centre continuously evolves to meet the growing and changing needs of the broader community. Licensed under the Community Care and Assisted Living Act, George Derby Centre provides a comprehensive range of services, including complex care, dementia care, palliative, and end-of-life care. With 300 publicly subsidized long-term care beds, the Centre operates under contract with Fraser Health, ensuring quality support for residents in a safe and respectful environment.
The Burnaby Association for Community Inclusion (BACI) is a non-profit organization that provides innovative services to over 1,000 children, youth and adults with disabilities and their families in Metro Vancouver. BACI’s five inclusive children’s centres support over 150 children of all abilities and their families, helping all children develop to their full ability. Little Friends at George Derby $10 a Day Child Care Centre is licensed for 25 children between the ages of 3-5. As well, BACI provides various employment, development, social and recreational opportunities for adults with disabilities, helping to advance their social and economic inclusion in our communities. BACI continues to seek out opportunities to increase social awareness and effect change in the way individuals of all abilities are included in our society. www.gobaci.com
