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New Delta child development centre hits funding goal

Construction of the new Reach child development centre is now fully funded thanks to the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority and its partners.
Canada, BC, Delta
Attendees at last week’s recognition event celebrate the completion of fundraising for the new Reach child development centre. (Back row

Construction of the new Reach child development centre is now fully funded thanks to a recent donation by the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority and its Port Gala Partners.

At a recognition event held at Tsawwassen Springs on Sept. 16, the port authority and its partners, DP World Vancouver, Fraser Surrey Docks, Global Container Terminals, and Western Stevedoring, committed to contributing the remaining $400,000 needed to complete the construction component of Reach Child and Youth Society’s $5-million Building for Children Together project. To date, the five port organizations have committed $788,000 the project.

“As the federal authority that oversees and manages the Port of Vancouver, one of our goals is to enable thriving communities in the municipalities we operate in, including here in Delta,” said Robin Silvester, port authority president and CEO. “Together with our tenant and terminal partners, it is our privilege to help support Reach serve more children, youth and families through this new facility.”

The 20,000 square feet project, a partnership between the Reach Society, the Corporation of Delta and the Ladner Tsawwassen Kinsmen Club, will allow the society to double the number of children it helps and serve as a place of learning and belonging for children with special needs and their families. Reach currently provides programs and services to families in Delta, Surrey and Langley, serving over 1,000 children annually.

The new facility will provide therapy and counselling rooms, youth social and prevocational training, specialized lending libraries, and an inclusive preschool with accessible playground. It will also serve as the new home for the Kinsmen Club of Ladner and Tsawwassen as well as an expanded event space for municipal, business and community use.

This pivotal donation comes at a time when construction is beginning and the foundation is being laid for the new child development centre. Construction is expected to be complete in September 2017.

“By investing in this centre, Port Gala partners are in- vesting in building a future for children with special needs in our community,” said Reach Executive Director Renie D’Aquila.

Naming rights for the new centre’s community meeting room will be awarded to the port authority and Port of Vancouver Gala partners in recognition of their generous contributions.