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Grand opening held for Little Lizzie’s

HUMBOLDT — Located in the basement of The Elizabeth care home, Little Lizzie’s Intergenerational Early Learning Centre has held its grand opening.
Little Lizzie's
Humboldt councilor Larry Jorgenson and Corinne Norman, general manager with The Elizabeth, cut the Halloween themed ribbon for the official grand opening of Little Lizzie’s Intergenerational Early Learning Centre. Photo by Jessica R. Durling

HUMBOLDT — Located in the basement of The Elizabeth care home, Little Lizzie’s Intergenerational Early Learning Centre has held its grand opening.

The daycare was designed with the goal to bridge the generational gap— something they hope to do once the pandemic ends.

“A big part of the intergenerational learning centre is to make sure both parts of our community are supported,” said Tawnie Johnson, member of Little Lizzie’s board of directors. “This is something they needed to be able to interact with residents and have kids learn that, and hopefully bring our community full circle.”

Due to COVID-19, both parties are kept separated, but once it’s safe to do so Johnson said that they’re planning for the two generations to share a garden, games, reading time, and possibly eat together.

“Everything is separated mostly just to protect both parties because they’re both vulnerable sectors,” said Corinne Norman, general manager with The Elizabeth. “But we are very much aware that this is something we are going to be able to entertain in the future.”

The grand opening was attended by Humboldt councilor Larry Jorgenson, Norman, Johnson, and a few others including media— all wearing masks.

Norman called the event a “dream come true” after submitting their first application about four years prior.

“Our vision was to see this opportunity for our community and it has become a reality right in front of our eyes,” she said. “We’ve seen the excitement on the side of the residents upstairs looking forward to being with the children and their families and sharing, and the children trying and wanting to, again, share their life and their interests with the residents.”

The business has 27 daycare spots with three full-time staff and one part-time.

The grand opening was held on Oct. 29.