Early childhood development (ECD) committees in Fernie and Invermere aim to identify how local businesses can be family-friendly through a newly established pilot project.  Both community ECD committees have received funding through EK Success By 6, an initiative of the United Way, to collaborate with businesses and demonstrate how investing in families is good for business.

Inspired by a successful project run in Kamloops, EK Success By 6 received permission to replicate the ‘Family Friendly, think small – act big’ messaging campaign and materials.

Fernie and Invermere are the first to undertake the pilot project.

“We want to recognize businesses that are providing things like a place for nursing mothers, toys, changing tables and stroller access,” explained Lisa Lehr, from the Windermere Valley ECD team.”

Jodie Parker, Fernie ECD coordinator said, “We’re aiming to assist businesses in becoming Family Friendly, by offering a toolkit of ideas and resources, and recognizing many businesses that already are.”

The project also takes a look at family-friendly human resources practices and policies in the workplace. Keri Rinehart, Regional Coordinator for Success By 6 believes, “By helping businesses identify family-friendly successes and give ideas for HR practices, we believe it will assist in finding and keeping great staff.”

The family-friendly ‘Think Small – Act Big’ project plans to expand to additional communities in the region throughout the year. For more information on EK Success By 6 and regional ECD Committees go to www.EKkids.ca.

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