St Catharines Under fives is a not for profit charity playgroup offering that village community feel in the heart of the city. It has a special place in so many people's hearts and the cake is always good too!

From attending as children, being part of the amazing team, to going to Stay & Plays and events held. As with so many places we struggled through covid but naturally this and rising costs have had a huge impact on us. We are always so lucky to have so much amazing support at our events and so this year we are launching our helping hands campaign to help us continue for so many more years.

We aim to provide a safe and fun environment to children from as young as 2 years with Stay & Play sessions from birth. Did you know we have been around for over 50 years! In March 1969, the Young Wives of St Catharines Church set up St Catharines Playgroup to run every Wednesday morning . The Sunday School allowed the use of their chairs and tables, and the first toys were donated by the Young Wives themselves. Then in the 70's this expanded to further days. In the 80's our weekly Stay & Play session started running and still is! Since then we have become members of ofsted and have continued with the amazing support of our community, playteam and helper's.

Our helping hands campaign will help support our continued ability to provide a stimulating and safe environment for children to learn and grow. We are aiming to create a communication corner with multicultural resources, story sacks and a comfy sofa. We also want to use our extended playground but need to make the area safe with raised beds around the steps, adapting the fencing and clearing the area.

We really are a community and can only do what we do with the amazing support of our incredible community. Will you lend us a hand and help us to continue for many more years to come?