This year, the Parent Resource Centre proudly celebrates 50 years of strengthening families in Ottawa. Since 1975, PRC has been a trusted partner for parents and caregivers, offering free programs, expert guidance, and a warm, welcoming space where families can grow, connect, and thrive. To mark this milestone, we’re launching our $50 for 50 Years campaign, with the goal of raising $50,000 to support all of PRC’s vital services — from playgroups and parent coaching to our Toy Library and Parent Support Line. Your donation will help us continue providing responsive, inclusive support for parents, caregivers, and children across our community. Together, we can build stronger families today — and for the next 50 years. Join us, donate, and help us reach our goal!
Looking for a unique way to spread kindness and joy this holiday season?
50 Years of Caring, A Season of Giving
PRC’s Toy Library is the heart of our play space - where curiosity, exploration, learning, and laughter can follow you home.
Our library is a free service open to all Ottawa families, caregivers, and educators to borrow toys and educational materials. These libraries operate similarly to traditional book libraries, providing a variety of items like puzzles, board games, musical toys, costumes, and outdoor play equipment.
The primary goal of a toy library is to promote learning through play, encourage socialization, and provide access to quality resources that may be financially inaccessible to some families. Toy libraries also foster environmental sustainability by reducing consumption and waste, as toys are shared and reused by multiple borrowers. When a toy is part of a Toy Library, it has the potential to be used by many children and create an exponential impact.
Here's how:
- Multiple Borrowers: In a toy library, one toy can be borrowed and enjoyed by multiple children over time. As the toy is returned and re-borrowed, its reach continues to grow.
- Social Interaction: When a child plays with a borrowed toy, they might invite their friends or siblings to join in, further increasing the number of children who interact with that toy.
- Inspiring Curiosity: A new toy can spark curiosity and imagination in children, leading them to explore new interests or hobbies. They may then share their discoveries with others, causing a ripple effect.
- Environmental Sustainability: When one toy is used by many children, it reduces the need for each child to own the same toy. This promotes a more sustainable approach to consumption and helps conserve resources.
By extending the life of a toy and maximizing its use through sharing, we can create exponential benefits for children's development, social connections, and the environment.
"I've been bringing my twins to the toy library and playgroups since they were about 12 months old, and now, nearly 2 years later, they still love it.”
Jessie, Parent