A transition house in Sechelt for women and children needs funding for a new playground.
Thyme Second Stage housing provides long-term housing, support, advocacy and counselling for women and children fleeing domestic violence. The four-unit house also offers a recreational drop-in program for the children. "The main goal is to have fun," said Anita Couvrette, who runs the children's program in the afternoons. She also teaches social skills, anger management and conflict resolution and encourages creativity.
Thyme's backyard playground suffered wear and tear from its 10 years of children coming through the program, Couvrette said. Because of the safety issues, with areas where children could fall off above-ground landings, they tore it down in June. Now the children don't have a playground, and the closest park is five blocks away. Couvrette emphasized the importance of kids having a recreational facility in their backyard for physical, social and emotional development, especially in a new, unfamiliar community.
Women and their children can stay at the house, run by the Sunshine Coast Community Services Society, for up to 18 months. The society is applying for funding from private donors, including foundations, businesses and the community. The target goal is $1,000 to pay for playground equipment, including swings, ropes and monkey bars. Couvrette said the challenge is to build a playground safe for toddlers and interesting to older children. She hopes to have the funding together and be ready to build in the new year. At that time, they will look for volunteers to help build the new playground.
