Inclusion for Durham Kids
April 05, 2012
“Include Me” – leave no child behind
DURHAM REGION April 2, 2012 –
Concerned about the significant growth in population in the Durham Region - especially among families with children and youth; coupled with funding constraints, Grandview Children’s Foundation has launched a spring campaign aimed at raising $250,000 to reduce the number of children waiting to access services at Grandview Children’s Centre.
Close to 1000 children with special needs and disabilities are on a wait list simply because resources are limited. Every year demand for critical therapy services rise, waiting lists grow and the children waiting fall further behind.
In the Durham Region in particular, the high proportion of young families means that there is an ever increasing demand for therapy services. In this current climate of restraint and constrained government funding, the situation has become even more urgent. Community support will make a real difference to these children’s lives.
“We are not prepared to just sit back and watch our children fall further behind. We know that our supporters in the community can play an integral role in helping these children and we are now asking for their help,” says Vicky Earle, Executive Director – Grandview Children’s Foundation.
The recent Commission on the Reform of Ontario’s Public Services recommends that children accessing early and timely interventions will result in best outcomes, including them participating actively in society and in the workplace as adults.
The “Include Me” campaign is aimed at giving all children in the Durham Region the best chance to achieve their potential.
“Research as well as extensive experience shows that early intervention is key and that the sooner children are identified as needing specialized support, and the sooner they access it, the better their chances of success,” agrees Lorraine Sunstrum-Mann, Executive Director Grandview Children’s Centre.
Your help can make a big difference by giving these children the chance to become their personal best.
The “Include Me”…leave no child behind campaign will run from April 1 to June 30, 2012 and will include a number of ways community partners can support Grandview Kids. “The children on the wait lists are our friends’ children, our neighbours’ children. These are our children and they need your help,” adds Earle.
To make a donation, support the campaign and see the kids’ inspirational stories visit www.helpourkids.ca.
…With you on their side a world opens up.
