Niagara Children’s Centre Help Kids Shine campaign targets $350,000 goal
May 01, 2025
Niagara Children’s Centre Help Kids Shine campaign targets $350,000 goal
Annual fundraiser aims to expand therapy and support services for local children and youth
St. Catharines, ON – On Thursday, May 1, Niagara Children’s Centre officially launched its 2025 Help Kids Shine campaign, with 11-year-old Jack taking centre stage as one of this year’s campaign Ambassadors.
Jack’s mother, Jaci Bakker, shared her family’s journey with guests at the launch event at the Stone Mill Inn in St. Catharines. Her candid reflections highlighted the challenges and triumphs they’ve experienced since Jack was diagnosed with autism at just 18 months old—and the life-changing impact Niagara Children’s Centre has had on their journey.
“When we first started, I was overwhelmed,” said Bakker. “Hearing words like ‘therapy team’ and ‘social worker’ was intimidating. But over time, the Centre became a place of learning and growth—not just for Jack, but for me as well.”
Jack initially received speech therapy, occupational therapy, and social work services, later returning to the Centre through the school-based rehabilitation program. Over the years, he’s also benefitted from recreational therapy, aquatics, and mobility supports. These services have played a vital role in supporting his communication and social development.
“At one point, we were told Jack might never talk,” Bakker recalled, “But today, he does. His journey is proof that with the right support, anything is possible.”
In addition to accessing services, Jaci has become a strong advocate for family engagement and parent mentorship. As co-chair of the Centre’s Family Advisory Network and a mentor to other parents, she helps ensure that family voices are heard and supported.
“What makes Niagara Children’s Centre unique is that everything is under one roof,” she explained. “You’re not just receiving therapy—you’re part of a community that understands what you’re going through.”
The May 1 launch event welcomed a diverse group of attendees, including political dignitaries, campaign sponsors, community supporters, as well as board members, staff, and volunteers from the organization.
The morning also introduced nine other families who utilize the Centre's services as campaign Ambassadors. Throughout May, these families will share their stories online and through radio interviews to raise awareness about the therapy and support services provided by the Centre.
The Help Kids Shine campaign relies on community donations throughout May to sustain programs and services for families. This includes programs not covered by provincial funding, such as recreation therapy, aquatics and family-to-family support programs.
Oksana Fisher, CEO of Niagara Children’s Centre, highlighted the campaign’s significance, emphasizing its role in extending support to more children and families in Niagara.
“We are grateful for the ongoing support of our partners, including local radio stations Newstalk 610 CKTB, 97.7 HTZ FM, and Move 105.7, as well as businesses throughout the Niagara region,” Fisher remarked.
To help the Centre achieve this year’s goal, Dan and Sharon O’Hara, along with O’Hara Trucking & Excavating, have signed on as the donor match sponsor for the third straight year, pledging up to $25,000 to donations made during the campaign.
“Donations are vital because they provide a sustainable source of funding that allows us to plan more strategically,” said Fisher. “Thanks to the support of the O’Hara’s, every dollar pledged by our community to support our children and families is doubled.”
Supporting the Centre holds special meaning for the St. Catharines construction company. In 1984, Dan and Sharon O’Hara’s daughter Katie was born with hydrocephalus, a buildup of fluid in the cavities within the brain.
“Niagara Children’s Centre helped us so much,” said Sharon O’Hara. “They guided us through all the resources for funding and provided Katie with therapy from physio to speech. I really got to know the staff and the other families and it was a welcoming community.”
The Niagara community is encouraged to follow the Centre’s social media channels and tune in for upcoming radio interviews with broadcast partner Bell Media properties, such as 610 CKTB, to learn more about how they can support the Centre.
Visit
HelpKidsShine.ca to learn more and make a donation that helps every child in Niagara reach their full potential.
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About Niagara Children’s Centre: Niagara Children’s Centre provided rehabilitation and support services to more than 5,600 children and youth last year across the Niagara Region with physical, developmental and communicative delays. The range of services includes physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language services, augmentative and alternative communication, family services and therapeutic recreation.
Media contact: Michael Morrison, Marketing & Communications Officer
Phone: 905-688-1890 ext 260
Email:
michael.morrison@niagarachildrenscentre.com Photo caption: Help Kids Shine Ambassador families announce the campaign's fundraising goal of $300,000 at the Stone Mill Inn in St. Catharines on Thursday, May 1.