Niagara Children’s Centre has surpassed its fundraising goal through its 23rd annual Help Kids Shine campaign, raising $387,000 to support therapy, recreation, and family support programs for children and youth across the region.
The campaign, which had set a goal of $350,000, officially wrapped up Friday during a closing celebration at White Oaks Resort & Spa in Niagara-on-the-Lake. More than 100 dignitaries, donors, staff, volunteers, families, and community members attended the event.
The annual fundraiser helps provide therapy services, recreation programs, family supports, specialized equipment, and other programs for more than 6,100 children and youth throughout Niagara.
Among the stories highlighted during this year’s campaign was that of Luca, a three-year-old St. Catharines boy whose family has received support from Niagara Children’s Centre following a difficult start to his life.
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). He also underwent surgeries for a tracheostomy and G-tube while his family faced uncertainty about what his future would look like.
“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 reach milestones they once feared may not happen.
“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.”
Today, Luca skates with his parents, sings along to his favourite songs using ASL, plays with friends, and is embracing his role as a big brother. He also participates in Children’s Centre groups, including Learning to Listen, where he has built friendships and confidence alongside other children and families.
“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.”
Throughout May, the Help Kids Shine campaign included dozens of community-led fundraisers and events, including golf tournaments, school initiatives, media partnerships, workplace fundraisers, and ambassador stories showcasing the impact of Niagara Children’s Centre services on local families.
For Luca’s family, serving as campaign ambassadors was a way 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.”
More information about Help Kids Shine and Niagara Children’s Centre is available at helpkidsshine.ca.
