Community unites for largest fundraiser in Children’s Centre's history

May 30, 2025

Community unites for largest fundraiser in Children’s Centre history

Help Kids Shine raises $462,641 to support children and youth in Niagara

St. Catharines, ON – The scent of eggs, bacon, and waffles filled the room at the Stone Mill Inn as community supporters gathered to celebrate Niagara Children’s Centre’s record-breaking achievement.

The celebratory brunch brought together political dignitaries, campaign sponsors, community members, board members, staff, and volunteers. The event marked a significant achievement for the Centre, which annually supports more than 5,900 children and youth across Niagara who experience physical, developmental, or communicative delays.

This year’s guest speaker was Natalie McMillan, mother of four-year-old Benett, one of the Centre’s 2025 Help Kids Shine Ambassadors. Natalie shared the emotional journey her family has experienced since Benett’s diagnosis.

“There were so many fears and concerns surrounding his health and future,” said McMillan. “But we were incredibly thankful to be connected to the Centre right away. It didn’t erase the fears, but we knew we didn’t have to face anything alone.”

Benett, a cheerful child from Wainfleet, was born with spina bifida, a neural tube defect that affects spinal development and limits mobility. Despite a 95% likelihood he wouldn’t survive to term, Benett defied the odds. He began physiotherapy at the Centre when he was just a few months old.

Today, he uses a walker or canes and can take up to 500 independent steps. He also receives occupational therapy to support his daily living skills, and the Centre helped adapt the family’s home to better meet his needs.

“People should support Niagara Children’s Centre because it provides life-changing therapies, programs, and support for children like Benett,” McMillan added. “Most importantly, these services are free and accessible to every child who needs them.”

Benett has also taken part in the Centre’s inclusive social programs — including play groups, swimming, and Challenger Baseball — all of which have helped build his confidence and sense of belonging.

His family was one of 10 Ambassador families who shared their stories throughout May on digital platforms and in radio interviews with Bell Media’s stations: Newstalk 610 CKTB, 97.7 HTZ FM, and Move 105.7. These stations also featured interviews with Centre staff and volunteers to raise awareness about its services.

Bell Media hosts found creative ways to engage listeners. 97.7 HTZ FM’s Matt Soper and Carl Brown launched the “Make Carl Drive” challenge, encouraging donations in exchange for the hosts driving 1 km at a time toward their end destination of Nova Scotia. The effort raised more than $14,000.

A standout community initiative came from Beaverloch Farms in Thorold, where guests were invited to take photos in its blooming canola fields in exchange for donations. Combined with a matching pledge from the farm, the effort raised over $26,500.

The Centre was also one of the recipients of McHappy Day, held at participating McDonald’s restaurants in St. Catharines and Thorold. On May 8, proceeds supported Ronald McDonald House Charities and several local organizations, with Niagara Children’s Centre receiving nearly $10,300.

“Help Kids Shine always reminds us of the power of community spirit,” said Oksana Fisher, CEO of Niagara Children’s Centre. “Even the smallest acts of kindness can profoundly impact a child’s life. We are deeply grateful to our donors, supporters, and volunteers for making this campaign such a success.”

The Centre, alongside Project SHARE, also benefited from the Great Wolf Lodge Annual Charity Car Wash for Kids, held on May 22. Co-hosted by Great Wolf Lodge, the Niagara Falls Professional Firefighters Association, and the Niagara Regional Police Service, the event raised an incredible $150,000.

Meanwhile, O’Hara Family Farm and O’Hara Trucking & Excavating pledged $25,000 as donor-matching sponsors, helping generate more than 900 monthly and individual donations that totaled over $83,500.

“These funds will help us meet growing demand,” added Fisher. “Monthly donations, in particular, provide stable funding that allows us to plan and deliver care well into the future.”

Donna Venditti, Chair of the Help Kids Shine Cabinet and Executive Assistant at Mountainview Building Group, shared her pride in leading the campaign.

“It’s an honour to support an organization that helps families thrive,” said Venditti. “The programs and services offered by the Centre change lives every day. Through our collective efforts, we’re helping more children like Benett reach their full potential.”

The month will close out with a special “day at the zoo” on May 31, as Safari Niagara hosts a fundraising event at the park. A donation of $10 from every general admission ticket purchased will be given back to the Children’s Centre in support of the campaign.

As the 22nd annual Help Kids Shine campaign wraps up, the community is reminded that donations are always welcome by phone, in person, or online at helpkidsshine.ca.

To learn more about Niagara Children’s Centre and its services, visit niagarachildrenscentre.com.

-30-

About Niagara Children’s Centre:
Niagara Children’s Centre provided rehabilitation and support services to more than 5,900 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:
Ambassador families from Niagara Children’s Centre celebrate the record-breaking fundraising total for Help Kids Shine at the Stone Mill Inn in St. Catharines.