The Teulon Day Care Centre marked a remarkable milestone on Thursday, Oct. 17, celebrating 50 years of nurturing and supporting local families.
Children and staff from the Teulon Day Care Centre gathered with Selkirk–Interlake–Eastman MP James Bezan during the centre’s 50th anniversary celebration on Oct. 17
Families past and present, staff, board members and community leaders gathered to honour the centre’s legacy and the people who helped build it. The evening included speeches, cake and presentations recognizing decades of dedication to early childhood education in Teulon.
“It makes me so full of pride to reach this milestone,” said Lori Malcolm, director of Teulon Day Care. “It is so important that we are able to allow young children to be brought up in a small community, and for it to be 50 years is just amazing.”
A highlight of the celebration came when Selkirk–Interlake–Eastman MP James Bezan presented a commemorative plaque to acknowledge the centre’s 50 years of service. Joining him for the presentation were staff member Roxanne Pawluk; Sharon Waluk Green; Nienke Kolster, the centre’s first director; Malcolm; Mayor Todd Campbell; current board chair Niki Strick; and former chair Brittany Phill.
A special moment was shared between Patti Solumundson and her mother, Moira Solumundson, whose family helped found the daycare. Moira and her late husband Herb were among the original visionaries who brought child care to Teulon, and Patti holds the distinction of being the very first child ever enrolled at the centre.
What began as a program caring for eight preschoolers and one staff member out of the Christian Education Building has since expanded to care for four infants, 37 preschoolers, 35 before-and-after-school program participants and an average of 14 staff. The centre moved into a new building in 2007 and also operates out of Teulon Elementary School.
“We began so small, and to see how much we’ve grown just takes the words right out of my mouth,” added Malcolm. “It’s obviously a great place to work and be. Our standards are high and we are proud of that. We are proud of our long-term staff because it shows they are dedicated, nurturing and caring. We are proud of our multi-generation families because it shows they enjoyed their time here when they were young and want their children to have that same experience. These are just small examples of what makes us proud to operate in a small community.”
Kolster, now retired, said she never expected the daycare to grow into what it has become when she started offering programs in 1975. The inspiration came from a group of parents who saw a need for a nursery school and daycare to help socialize their children.
“It’s amazing how we came from something so small and have come to be a fantastic day care,” she said. “We’ve seen many children grow up with us and be a part of our making.”
In her first year of operation, one memorable story stands out — a “toilet paper forest.” For the first two months, everyone had to use an outhouse. One time, Kolster sent a child there alone, and they proceeded to decorate the surrounding bushes with five rolls of toilet paper. Kolster quickly made bathroom use a group activity but still laughs about the moment to this day.
Over five decades, Teulon Day Care has had only two directors — Kolster and Malcolm — a testament to the centre’s stability and community connection.
“They say it takes a village to raise a child, and the community support we’ve received has been absolutely vital,” Malcolm said. “Often it is the community stepping up to help make our dreams come true with their generous donations.”
Kolster echoed Malcolm’s gratitude, noting it’s the people who make the job rewarding.
“It’s the children and their families who kept me motivated,” she said. “The fact that there are no two days that are the same — you get to learn, play, grow and evolve with the community and see that the services you provide are needed.”
The centre has faced its share of challenges, particularly in balancing its budget. Malcolm said they strive to pay staff a livable wage while maintaining enough funds to continually buy supplies for the centre. Thankfully, during the pandemic it became clear how essential child care was, and funding was increased annually after a freeze from 2016 to 2023.
“When the world changed, it became clearer than ever,” said Malcolm. “Essential workers couldn’t do their jobs, so daycare centres started getting the recognition they deserved — it was a positive ripple effect that brought more investment and more accessible funding.”
Looking forward, Malcolm said she hopes the centre will always be there for local families and continue to receive strong community support, noting there will always be a need for child care.
The evening closed with the cutting of a beautifully decorated anniversary cake, made by Blue Skies Bakery, which added to the festive atmosphere as attendees reminisced and looked ahead to the next chapter.
Attendees expressed their gratitude to everyone who has helped the centre thrive since its beginnings in 1974 — from founders and early educators to today’s teachers continuing the legacy of care.
“Thank you to everyone who has been a part of our family — including our volunteer board of directors — we couldn’t have done this without you,” said Malcolm.
