Niagara Children’s Centre Launches 23rd Annual Help Kids Shine Campaign

May 01, 2026

Niagara Children’s Centre Launches 23rd Annual Help Kids Shine Campaign 

Annual fundraiser targets $350,000 to expand therapy and support services for local children and youth

St. Catharines, ON – On Friday, May 1, Niagara Children’s Centre officially launched its 2026 Help Kids Shine campaign, with three-year-old Sophie taking centre stage as one of this year’s campaign Ambassadors.

Sophie’s mother, Robyn Emmerson, shared her family’s journey with guests at the launch event held at the Centre’s headquarters in St. Catharines. Her candid reflections offered a powerful glimpse into the realities of navigating a premature birth and the critical role early support can play.

“Sophie had a very challenging initial few months at McMaster [Children’s Hospital], including two surgeries on her nasal passages, and getting her g-tube and tracheostomy,” said Emmerson.

Born prematurely, Sophie spent 11 months in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) before coming home—an emotional and overwhelming time for her family. Shortly after discharge, she was referred to Niagara Children’s Centre, where her care journey began.

“When we finally got to bring her home, we really focused on continuing to implement what we learned in the NICU into our everyday routine,” Emmerson added.

From those early days, Sophie began receiving specialized therapies from the Centre tailored to her developmental needs. Over time, those supports have helped her build foundational skills and confidence, while also equipping her family with the tools to support her progress at home.

“Every moment and milestone for Sophie has been such a joy to watch,” Emmerson shared. “From tasting more foods to rolling over, walking with her first walker to sitting up independently, and learning how to start communicating has all been amazing to witness.”

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 eight 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, family-to-family support programs, and aquatics.

Noella Klawitter, 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 incredibly grateful to our campaign sponsors whose continued support helps bring Help Kids Shine to life each year,” said Klawitter. “In particular, our longtime presenting sponsors, 610 CKTB, 97.7 HTZ FM, and Dream 105.7, for amplifying our mission and giving our families a voice in Niagara.”

To help the Centre achieve this year’s goal, Dan and Sharon O’Hara have signed on as the match donor for the fourth straight year, pledging up to $25,000 to donations made during the campaign.

“Donations to Help Kids Shine make an immediate and meaningful difference,” Klawitter added. “Each contribution ensures even more families have access to our programming and support.”

Supporting the Centre holds special meaning for the St. Catharines couple. 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 Whiteoaks Communications Group properties, such as 610 CKTB, to learn more about how they can support the Centre. Visit HelpKidsShine.ca to learn more and donate today.

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About Niagara Children’s Centre:

Niagara Children’s Centre provided rehabilitation and child development services to more than 6,100 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.

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

Photo caption:

Cover: A crowd of more than 100 community members attended Niagara Children’s Centre’s Help Kids Shine launch event, which was held at the Centre’s headquarters on Friday, May 1.

Body: Sophie participates in a treatment session by using a swing at Niagara Children's Centre with two members of her personal care team. 

Footer: A group of dignitaries, senior leadership and ambassador families gathered at Niagara Region headquarters in Thorold to raise Niagara Children’s Centre’s flag in recognition of Help Kids Shine.