Summerside Convent Seeks Community Support for Daycare Expansion

The Sisters of the Sacred Heart in Summerside, Prince Edward Island, are appealing for community support to expand their daycare center. Currently, the facility accommodates 13 children, but there are another 30 families on the waiting list. This figure does not account for additional parents who have expressed interest in securing spots for their children.

“We are deeply saddened to turn away families in need,” said Sister Margherita Ianni. “We see the need and feel the pressure to support our community.”

The convent’s daycare, located on Granville Street, currently has two rooms dedicated to childcare. The sisterhood plans to add two more rooms, a playroom, and an elevator to meet the growing demand. The projected cost for this expansion is approximately $2 million.

Sister Ianni expressed determination, stating, “Whether we have the money or not, we’re going to begin this spring. We trust that generous individuals will help us in this work.” Donations have begun to trickle in, primarily from community members who may not be able to give much but want to support the cause.

Peter Brown, of Bayside Builders, has been involved in discussions regarding the daycare expansion for about three years. He has previously worked on the convent’s facilities, including renovations last year. “This expansion ties into the organic growth of families and faith in P.E.I.,” Brown emphasized.

As a father of five and grandfather of 19, Brown understands the critical role that childcare plays in community development. “We cannot attract families to P.E.I. without adequate housing, and without daycare, people cannot work or stay here,” he noted.

The province has experienced a notable increase in immigration from the Philippines since 2018, with many newcomers settling in Summerside. The convent is fortunate to have two Filipino sisters who can connect with this growing community. Ashley Ramos, who moved to P.E.I. over a decade ago, appreciates the safe environment for raising her children. Her youngest son currently attends the daycare, and her daughter attended previously.

Ramos highlighted the positive impact the daycare has had on her children, saying, “Kids will learn from us, and we will learn from our kids. It plays a significant role in their development and character building.”

Parents like Don Koebrich, who has two children enrolled in the daycare, share similar sentiments. His youngest son has special needs, and Koebrich has witnessed the nurturing environment fostered at the daycare. “The foundation for strength, independence, and intelligence is being laid here,” he stated. “When they transition to kindergarten, they will be well-prepared.”

Koebrich is hopeful for the planned expansion, expressing gratitude for the daycare’s role in the community. “It is more than just a place to drop off children; it is a community,” he said.

The Sisters of the Sacred Heart are actively using social media and community outreach to raise funds for the project. While the timeline for the expansion is ambitious, the commitment to serving the community remains strong. As Sister Ianni stated, “We hope that the Lord will open the hearts of those who can share a little of what they have.”

This initiative is not only about increasing physical space but also about nurturing the community’s future through accessible childcare. As the demand for daycare spots continues to grow, the convent’s efforts to expand its services represent a vital step in meeting the needs of families in Summerside.