Dad Central Ontario helps organizations that want to run programs for fathers by providing seed funding to get things up and running. A few weeks ago we featured a great program out of Durham Region and we will be continuing to highlight programs to provide inspiration and ideas for community groups and organizations. Also, please let us know about fatherhood programs in your community so we can feature them on our blog and promote your work on FB as well.
This week we are featuring a totally unique idea from Kingsville put on by Kingsville Early Years Steps to Early Learning (KEYS) called Mighty Machines!
With a couple of phone calls to local businesses and an appeal to the families that attend KEYS, eighteen vehicles packed the Lion’s Hall parking lot. Children and their families enjoyed a free BBQ and explored machines including a front-end loader, a race car, a “TerraGator,” and a bucket truck. Squeals of delight were heard as the children climbed on and in each vehicle, and used the light, sirens, and PA of the emergency vehicles. KEYS staff and volunteers were thrilled with the turnout of over 140 children and their families from all around the county. There was a line-up of 10 families waiting to climb on the school bus before it even arrived from C.A. Bailey. Additionally, forty-five dads were given bags with the words “Dads Matter” printed on them, an involved fathers’ handout and a book inside for the family to share.
This is a fantastic example of creative and community driven fatherhood engagement. Thanks Kingsville!