August 30th, 2010

For Immediate Release:

The Sunshine Coast Early Childhood Planning Table is very pleased to announce the awards of Success By 6® Grants to local projects that enhance our supports for families with young children.

There are great benefits to investing in early childhood development - benefits for society, for communities, for neighbourhoods, for families and for the young children themselves. Studies demonstrate that children flourish in communities where resources for families and children are available.

Annually, the Sunshine Coast Success By 6® Committee manages the process of grant disbursement to local early years groups and projects. This year, due to some challenging budget cuts, a reduced amount - $40,000 - was available to grant. A total of 18 local groups submitted their applications for the grant in July. The Selection Committee reviewed each one carefully. Each and every application was a worthy and commendable project; it was a challenge to spread the available funds as wisely as possible. A selection criteria matrix system was used to aid the Selection Committee in its decisions.

Funded projects include pregnancy and postnatal support and outreach, a teen pregnancy course, summertime programs, weekend drop-ins, parenting programs, early years events, and other family supports.

By supporting children and families, we can create a better community for all. On the Coast, 1,400 children are under six years old. They represent our future. The extent of early years resources and services on the Coast is growing, and the collaboration between providers, funders, educators and families continues to expand and strengthen.

Many thanks to the United Way Lower Mainland and to the Sunshine Coast Credit Union for collaborating in the funding of the Success by 6® grants.

For more information, please contact Sarah Pond, ECD Community Facilitator 604 740-7884 scecd@telus.net or visit us online at www.successby6bc.ca