Preschool must come up with cash or close

Pukerua Bay Preschool needs to raise $700,000 or it will have to close.

The preschool needs the money to build a larger facility by February 2015 so it can look after more children.

The non-profit organisation that runs the preschool, the Wellington Free Kindergarten Association, is funded by the Government on a perchild basis and needs to increase the school’s roll in order to break even.

Parents’ committee member Christine Wilson said for the roll to increase, a larger building that meets Ministry of Education standards had to be built.

‘‘To do that we desperately need money.’’

The WFKA did not have the money to fund the upgrade, so it was up to the preschool’s parents’ committee and staff to find it.

If not enough money was raised the preschool would be forced to close, which would be ‘‘devastating’’, Mrs Wilson said.

‘‘ It’s a really sought- after preschool; it has a great reputation and is unique because it is free and caters for children aged 18 months to 3 years.

‘‘I don’t think there’s anything like it in the northern Porirua region.’’

If the preschool closed it would mean its four staff members would lose their jobs and 55 families using the childcare service would have to go elsewhere, she said.

‘‘It’s sad to think that some children might not have the opportunity to use this amazing service. I really hope it doesn’t come to that.’’

The preschool will begin its fundraising efforts next week with an event that will sell pre-loved children’s clothing, books and toys.

Although such fundraisers would help raise some money towards the rebuild, it was unlikely to cover much of the cost, Mrs Wilson said.

‘‘Our big hope is that we will find a benefactor who can sponsor or donate to us. It’s a huge ask but we hope that someone will be willing to help.

‘‘ The future of the preschool depends on it.’’