Two Perth families receive grants to help kids
Posted Mar 4, 2010 By Chris Must
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Tweet ThisEMC News - Two dollars doesn't sound like much, but when enough people are willing to donate that small amount, the results can touch people's lives.
Matthew Barnabe of Barnabe's Your Independent Grocer in Perth had two good news stories to share this week. Two local families caring for disabled children recently received grants from President's Choice Children's Charity - from funds raised in stores by staff or donated by customers.
Tracy Cote told the EMC the news that the charity had approved a $20,000 grant to purchase a van with a wheelchair lift for her son Dylan Vardy was an amazing Christmas gift. "I was so not prepared to get that call," she said. "It was two days before Christmas."
Dylan, 18, has a form of cerebral palsy and suffers from daily seizures. "It's safer for him to be in his chair," said Cote. "The seizures are a big challenge in his life."
Prior to taking possession of their specially-modified Dodge Caravan in mid-January, Cote and husband Jason Campbell were unable to take Dylan to appointments or planned outings unless two people were available to lift him into their vehicle. "He's a big boy," said Cote. "He's 18."
The family applied to PC Children's Charity for assistance after Dylan's caseworker at Lanark Community Programs, Wendy Coombs, did some research and found out the charity provides help to children with physical and developmental disabilities.
The new Dodge Caravan has a ramp that folds down at the rear, and two systems to secure a wheelchair in place. The "easy lock" system allows the chair to be wheeled in and easily snap into place.
"Just like any normal family, I can just wheel him in and away we go," said Cote.
Cote said Dylan attends Stewart School, and sometimes has to be taken home on short notice to receive medication if he has a seizure at school. The van can also be used by parent relief workers who help the family.
Cote thanked Barnabe for his help in securing the grant, adding that "He's willing to help in any way he can." She also had praise for Street KIA in Perth, noting the family wanted to buy their vehicle locally. The dealership arranged for the special van to be brought in from Spencerville. "They were wonderful," she said. "You just don't see these on the lot."
"Thank you doesn't cut it," when it comes to expressing Shawn O'Connor's gratitude for the $4,000 gift that enabled him to bring his son home.
The grant, approved in February, will allow O'Connor to buy a pressure-relief mattress for 15-year-old Brian, who has cerebral palsy. Because of his condition, Brian has developed some skin ulcers, or bed sores, and requires a special mattress which his father said he could never have paid for without assistance.
O'Connor said he sent his final piece of paperwork to PC Children's Charity on Christmas Eve, and was surprised to receive a positive reply so quickly, and to receive a grant for the entire cost of the mattress.
"It blew us right away, because normally when you go for these high-end items, you have to go to more than one charity to make it," said O'Connor.
Brian had been staying at Roger's House, the hospice for pediatric care located at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario. "They were kind enough to lend us an air mattress that they have, but it's just a loner," said O'Connor.
It is especially important to be able to bring Brian home now. "He's going through a different journey of life now," said O'Connor. "We've been told that his body is frail, he's beginning to shut down."
O'Connor said he has heard people wondering where the $2 they are asked to donate at the grocery check-out actually goes. "Well, this is where it goes," he said. "We've got our boy home."
O'Connor said he is looking after Brian with help from Brian's older brother Mark, 18. "I've chosen to care for Brian at home," he said. "This is pretty much my life."
He also thanked the staff at Roger's house for their assistance in looking after all the paperwork for his grant application.
Barnabe said the PC Children's Charity helps only children. It does not give out cash donations directly, but helps families pay for specific items they need, such as accessible washrooms, wheelchairs, and wheelchair ramps. All the money donated by staff and customers goes directly to help children, with any administrative costs being paid for by Loblaw Companies Limited. Funds are raised in the stores in various ways, including direct donations from the store, employee donations, the twice-yearly "icon" sales where customers are asked to make a suggested $2 donation, and other store events such as barbecues. The charity has given over $40,000,000 to help more than 6,500 families across Canada.
Barnabe added that the charity supports the Breakfast for Learning program which is active in local schools.
The Perth store's current "icon" sale ended Feb. 27, and raised over $1,800 in two weeks.
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