Celebrating Niagara Children’s Centre’s Top Stories of 2025

December 23, 2025

Celebrating Niagara Children’s Centre’s Top Stories of 2025

As 2025 comes to a close, we reflect on a year marked by growth, community connection, and meaningful impact. From record-breaking fundraising events to new leadership, inclusive programs, and unforgettable moments of joy, Niagara Children’s Centre continued to support children, youth, and their families across the region in powerful ways.

Here’s a look back at nine stories that shaped our year — and remind us of what’s possible when a community comes together.

A New Chapter in Leadership: Oksana Retires, Noella Joins the Centre

After 15 years of transformative leadership, longtime CEO Oksana Fisher announced her retirement, marking the end of an era defined by growth, resilience, and innovation. Under her leadership, the Centre expanded programs, strengthened family engagement, and navigated unprecedented challenges — including the COVID-19 pandemic — while continuing to deliver high-quality care to thousands of children each year.

In October, Niagara Children’s Centre proudly welcomed Noella Klawitter as its new CEO. Klawitter brings more than two decades of experience in children’s health and social services, lived experience as a Paralympian, and a strong commitment to inclusion, collaboration, and family-centred care. Her arrival signalled an exciting new chapter for the Centre and the community it serves. Read on >>

Community Unites for Largest Fundraiser in Children’s Centre History

The 22nd annual Help Kids Shine campaign became the largest fundraiser in Niagara Children’s Centre’s history, raising an incredible $462,641. Throughout May, the community rallied behind the campaign through events, media partnerships, and personal fundraising efforts — all in support of children and youth across Niagara.

At the heart of the campaign were nine Ambassador families, each sharing their journey of raising a child and the support they received from the Centre along the way. From radio interviews and creative fundraisers to donor-matching initiatives, Help Kids Shine showcased the power of community and its life-changing impact on children and families. Read on >>

Niagara Children’s Centre Honours Parasport Leaders with Legacy Award

Jim and Loretta Davis were named recipients of the Dr. Orr Tribute Award, recognizing a lifetime of advocacy, mentorship, and leadership in adaptive sport. Former clients of Niagara Children’s Centre themselves, the couple’s journey came full circle as they were honoured for decades of giving back to the parasport community.

As founders of the Brock Niagara Penguins Parasport Club and long-time VOLT Hockey coaches, Jim and Loretta have inspired countless young athletes to believe in their abilities and pursue active, connected lives. Their story is a powerful reminder of how giving back can create lasting change. Read on >>

$100,000 OTF Grant from the Ontario Government Strengthens Supports for Families

With support from a $100,000 Ontario Trillium Foundation Seed Grant, Niagara Children’s Centre launched an innovative Behaviour Therapy Program to address the growing social and emotional needs of children with developmental delays. The funding allowed the Centre to hire a Board-Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA), expanding evidence-based supports for families.

The new program has already made a meaningful difference, helping children better participate in therapy and daily routines while equipping families with practical strategies they can use at home. The investment underscored the importance of early intervention, specialized supports, and government funding in strengthening family well-being. Read on >>

Superhero Run Surpasses $1 Million

The 11th annual Superhero Run reached a major milestone, surpassing $1 million raised over the life of the event. Nearly 700 participants, volunteers, and supporters came together at Brock University, raising $174,092 in 2025.

The accessible, family-friendly event celebrated inclusion and determination — with participants running, walking, or rolling through courses designed for all abilities. The milestone highlighted more than fundraising success; it reflected a decade-long tradition of community support for children and their families across Niagara. Read on >>

Meet Sunny the River Otter: Our New Mascot Arrives

The year also marked the debut of Sunny the River Otter, Niagara Children’s Centre’s new mascot. Designed in consultation with families, staff, and supporters, Sunny represents resilience, teamwork, and belonging — values at the heart of the Centre’s mission.

From community events to fundraising initiatives, Sunny quickly became a beloved symbol of encouragement and joy, reminding children and families that they’re never alone and that every challenge can be met together. Read on >>

Community Comes Together for an Inclusive Halloween Experience

Hundreds of families gathered for Niagara Children’s Centre’s annual Trunk or Treat event, offering children a fun and inclusive Halloween experience. With decorated vehicles, edible and non-edible treats, and appearances by Sunny the River Otter and first responders, the event created a welcoming environment for kids of all abilities.

For many families — including newcomers to Canada — the celebration was more than just trick-or-treating. It was an opportunity to connect, feel included, and build community in a space designed with their children’s needs in mind. Read on >>

Launching the Inaugural VOLT Hockey Classic

The first-ever Niagara VOLT Hockey Classic brought together nearly 50 athletes from across Ontario for a day of competitive adaptive sport. Hosted at Canada Games Park, the tournament showcased the excitement and possibility of VOLT Hockey — an electric-powered version of Canada’s favourite pastime designed for athletes with physical disabilities.

For players like 15-year-old Mason Rogers, the tournament was about more than competition. It was about finding belonging, creating friendships and realizing what’s possible when inclusion is prioritized. Read on >>

Expanding Summer Fun: DSBN Summer Camp at the Centre

In partnership with District School Board of Niagara, the Centre welcomed children and youth with physical disabilities for a two-week program filled with crafts, games, swimming, and inclusive outdoor play. Every activity was thoughtfully designed to ensure everyone could fully participate, with many experiencing day camp for the very first time.

The program created lasting memories while strengthening community partnerships and expanding inclusive opportunities for families. Its success laid the foundation for future accessible programs, helping ensure that more children can experience the joy and connection that come with inclusive recreation.

That's a wrap! 

Thank you to our families, staff, volunteers, donors, and community partners for making 2025 a year of connection, compassion, and impact. Together, we continue to help children and youth across Niagara be their best.

About Niagara Children’s Centre:

Niagara Children’s Centre provided rehabilitation and child development 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 include: physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language services, augmentative and alternative communication, family services and therapeutic recreation.

For further information, contact: Michael Morrison, Marketing & Communications Officer
Phone: 905-688-1890 ext. 260
Email: michael.morrison@niagarachildrenscentre.com