The first annual Baby Fest is coming up next week as part of the National Child Day celebration.
The information fair and celebration of babies born in 2015 takes place Wednesday, Nov. 19 in the Gibraltar Room from 3 to 6 p.m.
“Every 2015 baby will receive a gift and a special welcome from Mayor Walt Cobb,” says Success by 6 co-ordinator LeRae Haynes.
The event is organized by Success by 6 in partnership with the downtown business community, the Early Childhood Development Network and the City of Williams Lake.
Families will have the opportunity to visit booths and vendors with products and services for babies in Williams Lake.
“This includes non-profit agencies and businesses, with information about everything your baby needs,” Haynes says. “Where can I find a paediatrician? Who sells organic cloth diapers in Williams Lake? Where can I find an education investment savings program for my baby’s future? Where can I find out how to properly install a car seat? Who sells educational children’s books? Where can I take my baby for immunizations? Where are there day care openings and where are the play groups?”
The new Early Years Centre in Williams Lake will also be launched at the Baby Fest.
This is a one-stop-shop website for all programs and services available for families with children ages zero to six.
“The centre is a comprehensive and innovative website, run out of the Women’s Contact Society with satellite operations throughout Williams Lake,” Haynes says.
“The plan is for Donna Barnett to be there to announce this launch, along with Walt Cobb welcoming everyone to celebrate National Child Day.”
A musician, songwriter, and children’s choir leader, Haynes has also written a song for education and awareness in the early years called I Know You Love Me.
“It’s what your baby would say to you if he could, and is all about getting off-screen and spending face-to-face time with your babies and little ones,” Haynes says.
“Talking, singing, reading, listening and playing with your baby helps to develop communication skills, reading, listening and social skills, as well as self confidence, self awareness and self esteem,” Haynes says.
This song will be promoted at Baby Fest, and will be available free via an Internet link, as well as physical CDs.
Haynes says the City of Williams Lake has a vision to attract and retain young families.
“This partnership is unique and mutually beneficial,” Haynes says.
“Our goal is to let young families know that they are warmly welcome in Williams Lake, and to let them know that they had a community standing by to support them.”