Support continues to roll in for what's being called a "robust" enhancement and expansion plan at the Kiddie Sunshine Centre in Altona.

Read more: Friesens Corp. Helping To Bolster Childcare Access In Altona

Joining the growing list of local businesses investing in the estimated $425,000 daycare project is Red River Mutual, which has committed $75,000 over the next three years as the official Platinum sponsor of the effort.

"Red River Mutual is honoured to get involved with this project and to have an opportunity to live our purpose of being a positive force in the community," said President and CEO of Red River Mutual,

Altona Mayor Al Friesen presents the Town's first installment in a five year, grant matching program. Supplied photo. Brian Esau in a news release.

In an interview, he added that in his opinion, this project is a building block in overall community building.

"When I think about community building, I think about young people, and from our perspective, a healthy community means there's economic stimulation and that means jobs, and when we want to put young people to work we need a place for their children," said Esau. He added the hope is that this instalment of support will help families by reducing a barrier or concern for childcare.

While Esau admits a lack of childcare access has impacted young moms coming back to work at the Altona office, they've also noticed another area of need. As Altona grows and continues to attract new residents who don't have family re-enforcements, like parents and grandparents, to help with childcare, he says those people rely very heavily on public daycare to support them in their employment programs as well.

Esau commends the daycare board for its "bold" plan and for initiating the project.

"I just really like to see this sort of new generation of fundraisers in the community which is really excellent," he said.

Also jumping on board in support of the project is the Town of Altona which has signed up to be a Municipal Gold Sponsor by providing a matching grant of $10,000 a year for the next 5 years, for a total of up to $50,000.

“Expanded daycare capacity has been the topic of discussion in our town, and at our council table for many years," said Mayor Al Friesen in a news release. "It's a key component of a town's capacity for growth, along with an economic strategy, but most importantly it's a family-friendly cornerstone of a caring community."

"And I guess in our role as a town council, sometimes we commit leadership, sometimes we provide encouragement and sometimes we provide finances, and so when they came to us we were encouraged by the initiative that they are taking and were pleased to partner with that, and will continue to do so as they move forward," added Friesen in a follow-up interview.

Friesen hopes the Town's support will draw attention to the project and potentially provide some momentum for more organizations to get on board.

Read more: Robust Expansion To Double Daycare Spaces In Altona