Inspiring possibilities for Grandview Kids at Grandview Children’s Centre
Owen Derby, 9, is one of many children that has benefited from the services Grandview provides.
It’s a list that has far too many names on it.
The waiting list for services at Grandview Kids is approximately 2,000 names deep. This means there are thousands of children in Durham Region awaiting the type of services they desperately need, such as expert paediatric assessment, treatment and outpatient rehabilitation services and support.
Autofest is working to bring that list down to zero.
In the past decade, Autofest, through its partners at the Motor City Car Club, North Oshawa Lions Club and Oshawa West Lions Club, has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to ensure more children get into Grandview and, therefore, get the services they need.
Currently, Grandview offers services to more than 5,000 children and youth with special needs in Durham.
One of those services is the therapeutic recreation program, which allows children and youth to get out, be social, and flex their mental and physical muscles. Activities include everything from arts classes to Zumba!
Last year, more than 2,000 hours of recreation programs were offered, with more than 500 participants. And the program showed results, with 92 per cent of the participants maintaining or even exceeding the goals they set!
Grandview is also considering the creation of a complex care clinic for its patients with more medically complex conditions. The service would be provided in cooperation with the complex care team from Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children, and would mean families won’t have to worry about making travel arrangements for specialized care.
Owen Derby, 9, is a Grandview kid that has benefited from the services that Grandview provides. His ability to talk and walk is affected by his cerebral palsy, but thanks to the hard work and expert care provided at Grandview, he has been able to take part in events such as the Soap Box Derby and the National Super Kids Classic in Ohio.
However, the main Grandview site in Oshawa is already at capacity, and with 2,000 children awaiting services and an expected increase of 31 per cent over the next 20 years, Grandview is in dire need of funds to help them expand.
Continued support from Autofest and its partners helps to ensure that more children with special needs are able to access services at Grandview, as well as expand the type of services the centre offers.
Expanding Grandview, providing more modern and efficient services, will ensure that children most in need of assistance are able to receive it, and that it is the best available.
Putting money into Grandview Kids today ensures that the community thrives tomorrow. Thank you for helping Grandview continue to grow and offer the top-of-the-line services so many children desperately need.
To learn more, please visit grandviewkids.ca.