Grand Opening of YWCA Centre for Play on World Children’s Day

Grand Opening to take place on World Children’s Day, November 20th, of the new YWCA Regina Centre for Play and Development at 1855 Second Avenue North. The opening ceremonies will begin at 10:30 a.m. with welcoming remarks by YWCA Regina CEO Melissa Coomber-Bendtsen. Refreshments and tours of the new childcare facility will be provided.

“We are incredibly excited to open the YWCA Regina Centre for Play and development. We know the Centre, that is home to two childcare centres, a before and after program, and will soon have evening and weekend programming for children and youth, will be a great addition to the community.”

Tara Molson, YWCA Regina Senior Director of Community Programs.

The YWCA Regina Centre for Play and Development offers 141 childcare spaces for children six weeks to six years of age. The Centre is divided into two areas named Deanna’s Den (90 spaces) and Sally’s Place (51 spaces) to honour Sally Elliott, Sally Mahood and Deanna Elias-Henry for their many contributions. Dr. Sally Mahood has practiced family medicine in Regina for forty years and has been a strong advocate for the needs of women and marginalized people in the health care system, and for changes in early childhood education. Sally Elliott is a Registered Nurse who has been delivering programs at the YMCA of Regina since 1991. Her responsibilities include the teaching of prenatal classes and leading postpartum support groups. Sally also provides tours of the Labour/Birth and Mother/Baby units at the Regina General Hospital. Deanna Elias-Henry was the YWCA Regina Executive Director from 1997 to 2015. In that time the organization approximately tripled in size. Prior to joining the YWCA, Deanna provided leadership to Regina’s Transition House for twelve years. These three ladies’ work on behalf of women and children will be recognized during the opening ceremonies with the unveiling of original artwork by local artist Harley Redman.

 “It is a pleasure to recognize the contributions of these incredible women. Each of them, in their own way, have dedicated their lives to empowering and supporting women and children in our community.”

YWCA Regina CEO Melissa Coomber-Bendtsen

November 20th was chosen as the date for the Centre’s grand opening in conjunction with United Nation’s Universal Children’s Day, also known as World Children’s Day. Universal Children’s Day was established in 1954 by the United Nations General Assembly, marking the day which the assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child. Five years later on November 20th they adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child as well. The Convention, which is the most widely ratified international human rights treaty, sets out a number of children’s rights including the right to life, health, education, play, protection from violence, and to the right to have their views heard.

Click here to learn more about World Children’s Day

Since 1910 YWCA Regina has been supporting women and their families. YWCA Regina services include: childcare centres, shelters for women and children escaping violence and experiencing homelessness; summer camps, mentoring programs and in-school seminars to empower children and youth; a thrift store and the annual Women of Distinction Awards.

For media enquiries contact:
Donna Boyle
YWCA Regina Director of Communications
Phone: 306-525-2141 ext. 145
Email: donnab@ywcaregina.com