Over the past three years, Bradford Community Church has been hosting a weekly playgroup for parents, caregivers and their tots every Wednesday morning.
The space is filled with a variety of baby and toddler toys to keep the children busy, while parents mingle and connect.
A complimentary continental breakfast is always provided consisting usually of croissants, cheese, fruit, crackers, juice, tea and coffee.
Halfway through the meeting, one of the church volunteer leads the group in a structured craft for the kids to make and take home with them. Just this past week, children made Valentine’s Day and Family Day themed creations.
Mom and volunteer, Jackie Kozak has been bringing her four year old daughter to the group since she was two-years-old. As a single mom, Kozak was looking for other mothers to connect with.
"Being a single parent can be very lonely at times, so volunteering every week not only gave me purpose but it grew my friendships among many other amazing moms," she explained.
Kozak's daughter is in JK now, but she still continues to volunteer and helps set up toys and prepares the food and crafts each week.
"It’s not only an opportunity to socialize my little one and meet new moms, but also part of our service to the Lord (to volunteer and give back to our community)," she said.
Currently, there are about 10-15 regular families who attend the meetings each week, and the odd daycare group who will sometimes drop in on the fun.
Kozak noted that over the years, the group's Facebook page has grown to over 100 members, and there have been at least 100 different families come in for a playdate.
“The last two weeks with the strikes, we’ve had even grandparents attend with their grand kids,” explained Kozak.
The group was started by church pastors, husband and wife, Shane and Becky Fitch and church volunteer, Triin Martin.
Martin, along with Kozak and two other ladies, Carrol Cummings and Sandra Lombardi, help make sure the playgroup runs smoothly each and every week, but notes it is a group effort among all the parents that really makes the playgroup a success.
"We’ve had several moms bring in a surprise baked good to share with the group, and some moms have even prepped some of the crafts on occasion! It’s a collective effort," said Kozak.
Anyone is welcome to attend the free meetings which take place every Wednesday at Bradford Community Church, 2465 9th Line, Bradford, from 10 a.m. to noon.
This upcoming Family Day Monday Feb. 17, the church will also be hosting a free, family event at the Portuguese Cultural Centre, Winter Fest. It runs from 3:30 - 6 p.m. There will be games, food, prizes, and musical guests, Manic Drive. Get your free tickets in advance through their Facebook event page here.
