By Julia Magsombol
Local Journalism Initiative
julia@columbiavalleypioneer.com
On November 17, Invermere will have a Teddy Bear Picnic consisting of fun activities and services for families and children.
“This is our first Teddy Bear Picnic event. We’re hoping that if it goes well, we can make it an annual event” said Glenn Goslin, the district principal of early learning for Rocky Mountain School District No. 6.
The event will take place in Columbia Valley Centre on Friday, Nov. 17 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Everything is free, including the snacks. Attendees will have access to many free resources and materials, including picture books.
The picnic is a Ready, Set, Learn event funded by the Ministry of Education and Child Care. It will provide preschool children (birth to five years of age) and their families with information about free programs and services before entering school.
He added that the activities offered will depend on each service provider. For example, the Invermere Public Library will lead a storytime for the kids. The children are welcome to wear costumes from their favourite book characters.
Every station of service providers will have blankets and stuffed toys, which is why it’s called a ‘picnic.’ Goslin added that despite the cold weather, families and children can still have a picnic indoors.
The Akisqnuk First Nation, Shuswap Band, and Métis Association are important members of our community and have been invited to participate in the event.
“It’s really fulfilling to see when families can access the services and programs that are available to them. It helps our kids to feel connected before they begin school. It just improves their lives. I believe that early learning is where we can make a difference,” said Goslin.
