Niagara Children’s Centre Helps Kids Shine with $387K Campaign
June 01, 2026
Niagara Children’s Centre Helps Kids Shine with $387K Campaign
Fundraiser to provide therapy, recreation, and support programs for children and youth in Niagara
NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, ON – Not long ago, Luca’s world looked very different. After nine months in the NICU, his parents were just beginning to learn what life at home would look like.
Today, the three-year-old St. Catharines boy is skating with his parents, singing along to his favourite songs using ASL, playing with friends, and proudly embracing his role as a big brother.
On Friday, Niagara Children’s Centre celebrated stories like Luca’s as more than 100 dignitaries, donors, staff, volunteers, families, and community members gathered at White Oaks Resort & Spa for the closing celebration of the 23rd annual Help Kids Shine campaign.
The campaign officially surpassed its $350,000 fundraising goal, helping ensure children and youth across Niagara continue to access life-changing therapy, recreation, and family support programs.
Born 10 weeks early and weighing just 425 grams, Luca spent the first 273 days of his life in hospital after being diagnosed with severe Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR) and Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD). During that time, he underwent surgeries for a tracheostomy and G-tube while his family navigated the uncertainty of his future.
“When we were first discharged from the NICU, we were overwhelmed,” his parents, Krista and Eric Olivieri, shared. “The Centre’s staff met us where we were—literally—coming into our home to help us establish routines that supported Luca’s development and our well-being as parents.”
Since connecting with Niagara Children’s Centre, Luca has received support through Speech-Language Pathology, Occupational Therapy, and Physiotherapy services. His family says the Centre has helped him overcome physical limitations, find his voice through an AAC device, and continue reaching milestones they once feared might never come.
“We watched with pure joy as he learned to roll, crawl, and eventually walk,” they said. “Seeing his personality shine through his ‘new voice’ is something we cherish every day.”
Luca also participates in Children’s Centre groups such as Learning to Listen, where he has built friendships and confidence alongside other children and families navigating their own unique journeys.
“Luca’s story is a powerful reminder of why Help Kids Shine matters,” said Noella Klawitter, CEO of Niagara Children’s Centre. “Every dollar raised helps children and families access the therapies, supports, equipment, and connections they need to be their best. We are incredibly grateful to this community for once again stepping up in such a meaningful way.”
Funds raised through Help Kids Shine support therapy services, recreation programs, family supports, specialized equipment, and programs for more than 6,100 children and youth throughout Niagara.
The campaign featured dozens of community-led fundraisers and events throughout May, including golf tournaments, school initiatives, media partnerships, workplace fundraisers, and ambassador stories that highlighted the impact of Niagara Children’s Centre services on local families.
For Luca’s family, becoming an ambassador was an opportunity to give back to the community that supported them through some of their most difficult moments.
“It truly takes a village to raise a child,” they shared. “We are so grateful that the staff, volunteers, donors, and supporters of Niagara Children’s Centre are part of our village.”
To learn more about Help Kids Shine or support Niagara Children’s Centre, visit
helpkidsshine.ca.-30-
About Niagara Children’s Centre: Niagara Children’s Centre provided rehabilitation and support services to more than 6,200 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.comPhoto caption:
Cover: Ambassador families from Niagara Children’s Centre celebrate the fundraising total for Help Kids Shine at White Oaks Resort & Spa in Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON.
Body 1: Luca, born 10 weeks early and weighing just 425 grams, spent the first 273 days of his life in hospital.
Body 2: Krista and Eric Olivieri with their sons, Luca and Max, capture a family moment during a fall photoshoot.