Niagara Children’s Centre honours O’Haras with Dr. Orr Tribute Award

June 18, 2026

Niagara Children’s Centre honours O’Haras with Dr. Orr Tribute Award

Longtime supporters recognized for philanthropy, leadership and commitment to Niagara children and families

St Catharines, ON – For Dan and Sharon O’Hara, supporting Niagara Children’s Centre has never been about recognition. It has always been about giving other families the same sense of support, hope and opportunity their own family experienced.

Over the past nine years, the couple has quietly helped shape a stronger, more inclusive Niagara community through philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy. Today, the organization is proud to recognize that extraordinary impact by naming Dan and Sharon O’Hara as recipients of the 2026 Dr. Orr Tribute Award.

“It’s a tremendous honour for us,” shared Sharon O’Hara. “This recognition reflects the values that continue to guide us in our lives and work today. We remain committed to supporting children, youth, and families in our community and to carrying that legacy forward.”

Named in honour of Dr. Robert Orr, whose vision helped establish Niagara Children’s Centre more than six decades ago, the award recognizes individuals whose exceptional leadership, advocacy and dedication have created lasting change for children and youth with disabilities and developmental needs.

“Dan and Sharon embody everything this award represents,” said Noella Klawitter, CEO of Niagara Children’s Centre. “Their generosity extends far beyond financial support. They lead with compassion, create connections, inspire others to give and continually show up for children and families. Their impact can be seen not only through the dollars raised, but through the opportunities created and the lives changed.”

Since 2018, Dan and Sharon have contributed more than $134,000 to the Children’s Centre while helping build a culture of philanthropy across Niagara.

As owners of O’Hara Trucking & Excavating from 1977 to 2025, the couple became known not only as respected business leaders but as passionate community champions. They served as the match donor for Niagara Children’s Centre’s Help Kids Shine campaign for the past five consecutive years, matching community donations up to $25,000 annually.

Their leadership helped transform the campaign into one of the Centre’s most successful fundraising initiatives, contributing $1,842,640 during their involvement to support children and youth with physical, developmental, and communicative delays and/or disabilities.

Even after selling their company in 2025, their commitment did not end.

The couple continued their matching support through their family farm, helping power the largest Help Kids Shine campaign in Centre history and contributing to more than $462,000 raised in 2025.

“We know it’s a difficult time to give, but we always tell people that children and families need your help more than ever,” said Dan O’Hara.

Beyond financial contributions, Dan and Sharon have become some of the Centre’s most dedicated ambassadors.

Both have volunteered on the Help Kids Shine campaign cabinet, secured sponsorships and donations through their extensive networks, and encouraged fellow business leaders to invest in children and families across Niagara. Their advocacy has helped foster longstanding partnerships with organizations, including the Niagara Construction Association and Heavy Construction Association of Regional Niagara.

They have also shared their personal family story publicly, speaking openly about their daughter’s experience receiving services at Niagara Children’s Centre to help others understand the impact of early intervention and family-centred care.

“When I think of true philanthropy, I think of giving without expecting anything in return,” added Klawitter. “Even after selling their business, Dan and Sharon immediately stepped forward to continue supporting our families. Recognition was never the goal. Their focus has always been the children, and that speaks volumes about the kind of people they are.”

Their generosity extends throughout Niagara. Through annual events like the O’Hara Family Farm Classic Car Show, which raises approximately $16,000 annually for local charities, and support for more than 18 community organizations, the O’Haras have created a lasting legacy of giving that reaches far beyond any one cause.

Together, Dan and Sharon’s philanthropy has helped ensure that more than 6,200 children and youth supported annually through Niagara Children’s Centre continue to receive programs and services that build confidence, independence and opportunity.

For the O’Hara’s, however, the motivation remains simple: helping families.

And through decades of generosity, leadership and compassion, they have done exactly that.

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About Niagara Children’s Centre:
Niagara Children’s Centre provided rehabilitation and support services to more than 6,200 children and youth across the Niagara Region last year 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:
Dan and Sharon O’Hara received the Dr. Orr Tribute Award at a private event held by Niagara Children's Centre on Wednesday, June 18, at Stone Mill Inn, St. Catharines.