Water damage forces month-long closure of newcomer daycare

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This article was published 12/09/2019 (2189 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A faulty sprinkler and the resulting flood at the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba forced the closure of its daycare and left families scrambling to make alternate arrangements.

“It may be a month or longer before the daycare reopens,” said Dorota Blumczynska, executive director of IRCOM on Isabel Street.

The non-profit organization operates two transitional housing complexes in downtown Winnipeg: IRCOM Isabel and IRCOM Ellen (on Ellen Street). It offers secure, affordable and clean apartments to newcomer families for up to three years after their arrival.

On Monday, a faulty sprinkler caused damage to the main-floor daycare and offices at IRCOM Isabel.

Dozens of families rely on its child care, especially on the full-time care provided by Freighthouse Early Learning and Care, and people in the community are trying to help out, Blumczynska said.

“Some daycare partners have been in touch with us already to offer any vacant spots to families at IRCOM and living in the surrounding community,” she said. “We will do all we can to help each family find alternate care as quickly as possible, because we know the loss of child care has significant impacts on parents needing to attend language classes, pre-employment training, employment, and other support services.”

She said the building is insured by Manitoba Housing and will be repaired.

Some of the contents belonging to IRCOM won’t be covered under that insurance, and it may not be wise for the non-profit organization to submit an insurance claim given how premiums can increase once claims are made, Blumczynska said.

“So, any donations would be most appreciated, as always.”