Blog Post
Apr 05, 2022
BGC St. Alban's Club statement
We believe in the need for quality, affordable childcare for all Canadian families. We support the provincial and federal government’s commitment to creating a province-wide early learning and childcare program that is accessible to more families.
The Ontario and Canadian governments have reached an agreement that they say will ensure lower costs and increased access to quality childcare options. The program aims to reduce daycare fees to an average of $10/day by 2025.
The agreement aims to create 86,000 new, high-quality childcare spaces, improve compensation for those working in licensed childcare, and support the recruitment of new early childcare educators as demand is expected to grow. Quality, affordable childcare contributes to strong families and strong communities and gives children more opportunities to thrive. As part of BGC Canada, St. Alban’s continues to urge governments to provide affordable childcare and recreation options for all children and youth.
With our senior executive team and our Board of Directors, we are reviewing the details of the agreement and what opting in would mean for the staff and families at BGC St. Alban’s Club Preschool.
What we know so far:
- Individual childcare centres can opt-in or out of the new program
- The program is available to private, for-profit and not-for-profit licensed centres and licensed home daycares.
- The decision to opt-in or out needs to be made by September 1st, 2022, and if we opt-in, funding will be sent to the centre to reimburse parents for 25% of fees paid from April 1st onwards
- The increased wages for RECEs does not apply to us because we already pay our staff higher wages than the amounts stipulated in the agreement ($18/hour).
- In fact, by opting in, we would need to agree to freeze any daycare staff’s wages that make over $32,000/year for three years. In order to pay and retain staff in a field where opportunities at new centres and schools will grow, we believe that paying a fair wage is essential. The ability to retain well trained, experienced, dedicated staff is one of the main contributors to a quality daycare program for kids and families.
- It is difficult to expect a staff rate in other parts of Ontario to be the same as in Toronto based on cost of living.
- We would need to determine if we can top up the wage over the three year period through other means (i.e., fundraising)
- The effect on staff wages is our primary concern in thinking about opting into this program.
- We do offer spaces for families who qualify for reduced fees under the City of Toronto’s subsidy program. It is our understanding that this program will continue to run even when the new agreement starts, however we would need to confirm before agreeing to participate.
- Historically, the Club’s fee for service revenue has allowed the Club to reinvest in high priority areas (Jane and Finch, Weston-Mount Dennis, Lawrence Heights) and develop much needed BGC programs in those communities. We expect that opting into this agreement will eliminate that opportunity.
We are very optimistic about what this new program might mean for families in low-income communities such as the families we serve in Jane and Finch, Weston-Mount Dennis and Lawrence Heights. While $10/day is a significant cost savings for many Canadian families, it is still out of reach for many families experiencing poverty and barriers to employment. We hope to see how the plan might include fully funded daycare programs for families and communities that need it.
BGC Clubs often work in neighbourhoods that are at greatest risk and we are encouraged by the Ontario government’s commitment to supporting the needs of diverse and underserved populations, including low-income, francophone, Indigenous, Black, other racialized and newcomer communities, as well as vulnerable and special needs children.
The agreement between centres and the province has specific requirements that we are waiting to see and review with our executive team, parents, and board of directors.
Should you have any questions about what this agreement would mean for BGC St. Alban’s Club, please contact:
Chris Foster
Executive Director
Karen Grant
Preschool Manager
Don Stewart
President, Board of Directors
Join us for our new fitness program for adults! Hi Lo Workout with Yoga Cooldown Tuesdays 7:00pm to 8:00pm November 19 to December 17 (5 classes) Dance Studio Maximum of 10 participants. No fee, but membership and registration are required. This 60 minute class will energize and refresh you at the end of your day. You'll be challenged to move and excite your muscles, followed by a calming yoga sequence to help you drift off to sleep. Allow yourself permission to experience some rejuvenating me-time. For more information or to sign up, get in touch with Anna !
We are excited to announce our "Reach for Success" fundraising silent auction , where you have the opportunity to win incredible prizes and contribute to a meaningful cause. Our generous partners, Coach and WestJet, have donated fantastic items, including luxurious Coach accessories and roundtrip flights. By participating in this auction, you will not only have the chance to win these amazing prizes, but also help raise funds for our new rock climbing wall at St. Alban's Club. A rock climbing wall will provide children with a fun and engaging activity that promotes physical fitness and fosters essential life skills. With your support, we can offer our community's youth an enriching environment to develop problem-solving abilities, build self-confidence, enhance coordination, and nurture teamwork. The silent auction will run from October 11 at 2:00 PM to October 25 at 2:00 PM . Don't miss your chance to bid on these exciting items and make a positive impact on the lives of our youth. Items can be collected in person at BGC St. Alban's Club, located at 843 Palmerston Avenue. Thank you for your continued support and generosity. Together, we can create a brighter future for the youth in our community. Silent auction bids can be placed here !
Get ready for a day filled with fun, entertainment, and giving back! BGC Canada and Cineplex are thrilled to host the 12th annual Community Day , expanding their support for children and youth across Canada. This year, the celebration extends beyond movie theaters to include exciting experiences at The Rec Room and Playdium. 🎬 Cineplex Movie Magic: Enjoy FREE family-friendly movies all morning long, along with discounted concession items like popcorn, soft drinks, and select candy for just $3. Your support counts: $1 from every concession transaction and $1 from every Xscape playcard for the entire day will be donated to BGC Canada. 🎮 Fun at The Rec Room & Playdium: Experience free gaming all morning at The Rec Room and Playdium locations. Indulge in discounted concession items for $3, with $1 from every game band purchase and $1 from every food and beverage transaction for the entire day donated to BGC Canada. Join us on September 14 for Community Day and make a difference in the lives of children and youth while creating lasting memories with family and friends. Don't miss this opportunity to support BGC Canada and have a fantastic time at Cineplex, The Rec Room, and Playdium locations near you!
Power of the Purse: A Unique Online Silent Auction Experience! We are thrilled to announce the launch of our highly anticipated Power of the Purse online silent auction ! From August 12th at 4 PM to August 26th at 4 PM, this unique fundraiser presents a wonderful opportunity for you to own a genuine Coach handbag while supporting St. Alban's. Our loyal supporter, Coach, has graciously sponsored this event and donated authentic Coach products directly for fundraising purposes. Coach has been a steadfast supporter of our Club for almost a decade, demonstrating their commitment to making a difference through their generous contributions. The Power of the Purse online silent auction is a distinctive experience that brings together fashion enthusiasts and supporters of St. Alban's. You will have the chance to bid on a variety of stylish and high-quality Coach handbags that have been thoughtfully selected to cater to a range of tastes and preferences. To participate in this one-of-a-kind event, simply visit the auction site and explore the collection of stunning handbags available for bidding. As you browse through the selection, remember that every bid you place not only brings you closer to owning an exquisite Coach handbag, but also makes a significant impact on the lives of those in our community. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to combine your love for fashion with your desire to make a positive change. Join us for the Power of the Purse online silent auction, and experience the joy of giving back in style! Stay tuned for updates, and be sure to spread the word about this exciting event. We can't wait to see the amazing impact we can make together through the Power of the Purse!
🏊️🏊 Fall Swimming Lessons: Registration opens August 9 at 9am 🌟 Dive into a new season of aquatic fun! We're excited to announce that our online registration for fall swimming lessons at Winona and the Main Clubhouse pool will open on Friday Choose from group or private lessons tailored to various skill levels and age groups. Don't forget, spaces fill up quickly, so s ecure your spot as soon as you can! 💦 🌟🌟 Become an Aquatic Instructor! 🌟🌟 We are also thrilled to offer an upcoming Aquatic Instructor Course from August 23rd to 31st. If you're 15 years of age or older, have your Bronze Cross and Standard First Aid with CPR-C certifications, register now to make a splash in your community this fall! 🏊️🏊
Our online silent auction is now open! Win two roundtrip flights to any regularly scheduled WestJet destination! 🌟 Link to auction: can.givergy.com/stalbansclub/ 🌟 All proceeds benefit BGC St. Alban's Club! Huge thanks to WestJet for donating the incredible grand prize! 💙 Check out other amazing auction items too, but don't miss your chance to bid on this unforgettable travel experience! ✈️ Auction closes July 26 at 10am. Bid now and help support our community while making memories that will last a lifetime! 🌍🌈
From one room in a church basement, to 25+ sites in five communities...and a campground, we have had a remarkable journey! Over the next few months, we will remember where we came from, and celebrate where we are going! We have two exciting events planned for the fall - a children's party for the kids attending the PA Day program on November 15, and a celebration for adults on November 21st in the evening. For more information about our celebration plans, please visit this page. If you are an alumnus of the Club or a former staff/volunteer, please join our mailing list to stay updated about our events. We would love to hear from you!
On our seventh annual awareness day, BGC Clubs will share the unbelievable impact Clubs have on youth and their families in communities across the country. Get ready to celebrate BGC Club Day on Friday, June 7, 2024 Welcome to BGC Club Day! BGC Canada’s annual national awareness day will occur on Friday, June 7, 2024. We will showcase the incredible work of Clubs across the country as they continue to have an unbelievable impact on young people. For 120+ years, BGC Clubs have been creating opportunities for millions of Canadian kids and teens. Our trained staff and volunteers provide programs and services that help young people realize positive outcomes. Opportunity changes everything. BGC Clubs across the country will host different kinds of activations throughout BGC Club Day. At St. Alban's, kids from all of our satellite communities will meet at our Main Clubhouse and participate in a day of FUN and CELEBRATION! The day will include: Water balloons and Drip Drip Drench! Games like bean bag toss and potato sack races Face painting Tug of War Yummy snacks Talent Show Music and dancing! The kids will have so much fun meeting their friends from our family of Clubs! We look forward to sharing pictures of the day on our social media feeds! Look for the CN Tower and Niagara Falls to be lit up in BGC Green that night!
To celebrate our 75th year and BGC Club Day, @Alex_Beauregard with Sutton-Group Associates Realty, will sponsor a BBQ and CORN fundraiser! Our favourite grill master and neighbourhood realtor will match all proceeds dollar for dollar! June 7 4:00-5:30 (or until we sell out!) Proceeds go to our children and youth programs. Skip cooking dinner and come and support our Club!
BGC St. Alban's Club (legal name: St. Alban's Boys and Girls Club) engaged Charters Professional Corporation to rewrite the Club's bylaws in relation to the revised Ontario Corporations Act. The Club's governance committee has reviewed and recommended the new bylaws for approval by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors approved this recommendation on April 16th, 2024. The Board has now called a meeting of the corporate members on May 16th, 2024, at 7:00 p.m . to approve the new bylaws. Please contact Chris Foster at chris@stalbansclub.ca for the definition of a corporate member and to register for the May 16th, 2024 meeting of the corporate members. Our Annual General Meeting (AGM) is scheduled for June 18th, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. Please contact Chris Foster at chris@stalbansclub.ca for the definition of a corporate member and to register for the AGM. Review the updated bylows. Call for new Board members BGC St. Alban's Club is seeking passionate and dedicated individuals to join our volunteer Board of Directors. As we continue our mission of fostering growth and creating opportunities for our communities, we recognize the importance of diverse perspectives and experiences in driving our organization forward. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds including race, gender, sexual orientation, ability and indigenous peoples. We're looking for visionary leaders committed to promoting diversity, inclusion, and equity, and who are eager to make a positive impact on the lives of our members. As a Board member, you'll have the opportunity to: • Contribute your unique skills and expertise • Collaborate with other community leaders and professionals • Help shape the strategic direction and future success of BGC St. Alban's Club If you're passionate about making a difference in the lives of others and want to be part of a dynamic team, we encourage you to apply at board@stalbansclub.ca
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Contact Us
MAIN CLUBHOUSE
416-534-8461
843 Palmerston Avenue
Toronto, Ontario M6G 2R8
info@stalbansclub.ca
We respectfully acknowledge Toronto is on the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. We also acknowledge that Toronto is covered by Treaty 13 with the Mississaugas of the Credit.
