Adrian Polidano

Grandview Kids announces new fundraising structure with the establishment of a Centre-led Development Department

Media Release – Tuesday, January 14, 2025

AJAX, ONT. — Grandview Kids (“the Centre”) announced today the restructuring of the fundraising platform for Grandview Kids, whereby the Centre will assume fundraising responsibilities for Grandview Kids going forward, effective immediately. As part of the restructuring, Grandview Kids Foundation (“the Foundation”) will wind down its operations over the coming months as the Centre establishes a Development Department dedicated to fundraising.

As the Centre and the Foundation celebrated the successful completion of their “Believe” capital campaign and the opening of their new Ajax-based headquarters, The Jerry Coughlan Building, it was the perfect time to evaluate operations in a number of areas, including their fundraising activities.

As part of the restructuring, Brigitte Tschinkel, the Foundation’s Executive Director, will be retiring. The Centre will be conducting a search to identify and appoint a new Development Lead for the Centre. It is expected that existing Foundation staff will become employees of the Centre and continue their commitment to fund development and donor care.

To assist with the transition, the Centre appointed Linda Flynn to serve as Interim Executive Lead, Development. Flynn will work with the Centre’s Board of Directors and staff to ensure the continuity of development activities, develop strategic priorities and focus on donor care. Recently retired from Durham College as their Associate Vice-President of Advancement and Alumni Relations, she brings 35 years of experience, a master’s degree in leadership, and a strong track record of raising millions of dollars in the Durham Region. In addition, her active community engagement means she already has strong relationships with many of our donors and volunteers.

The restructuring will be implemented over the coming months and will require a special meeting of members of the Foundation to authorize the distribution of the Foundation’s assets to the Centre, followed by the revocation of the Foundation’s charitable registration and then the formal dissolution of the Foundation. Pursuant to an asset transfer agreement entered into today between the Foundation and the Centre, the transfer of assets from the Foundation (and the assumption by the Centre of the Foundation’s liabilities) is expected to close on or near February 5, 2025. All donor agreements with the Foundation will be assumed and honoured by the Centre.

Quotes

“This decision comes at an important time for the Centre and provides an opportunity to develop a highly integrated fund development and donor care program. Donor relationships are critically important to ensuring that Grandview Kids can deliver more programs and services to our families. We are grateful for the support of the Foundation for the last 30 years. We believe this new structure (which is similar to the fundraising structures of many not-for-profit organizations) is the optimal structure for Grandview Kids moving forward.” – Leo Plue, Chair, Grandview Kids Board of Directors

“The Foundation Board is supportive of this restructuring and will work with the Centre to ensure a seamless transition for our donors and supporters. The Foundation is very proud of its results in supporting Grandview Kids, including our recently completed $20 million Believe Campaign – and we thank the Foundation staff and team, the Foundation Board of Directors, and our donors and supporters, for their support of the Foundation and their continuing support of Grandview Kids. On behalf of Grandview Kids and our donors, we thank Brigitte for her commitment and support of Grandview Kids for the last 15 years, especially her leadership through our $20 million Believe Campaign, and we wish her well.” – Bryan Yetman, Chair, Grandview Kids Foundation Board of Directors

“We are grateful for the support of the Foundation. I am confident that Linda will help us navigate this transition and ensure continued support for Grandview Kids under this new structure.” – Tom McHugh, Chief Executive Officer, Grandview Kids

About Grandview Kids

Founded in 1953, Grandview Kids is a family-centred, independently operated non-profit organization dedicated to supporting children and youth with physical, communication and developmental needs. Through specialized programs, rehabilitation services and outpatient clinical therapies, Grandview Kids supports children and youth to live life at their full potential.

Learn more at grandviewkids.ca.

Media contacts

Sandra Harris

Executive Lead, Development

Grandview Kids

437.738.0022

Sandra.Harris@grandviewkids.ca

Adrian Polidano

Acting Director of Communications and External Relations

Grandview Kids

437.703.3559

Adrian.Polidano@grandviewkids.ca

Meet Grandview Kids Volunteer, Maureen M.!

How long have you been volunteering at Grandview Kids?

I have been volunteering at Grandview Kids since the fall of 2018.

Has anything interesting happened to you while you were volunteering at Grandview Kids?

Seeing the kids growing and blossoming.

What would you say to someone who was thinking about volunteering at Grandview Kids?

To anyone considering volunteering opportunities and looking for a sense of fulfillment, I would 100% highly recommend Grandview Kids as the place to do so. From the children who attend for services and treatment to the staff, clinicians and the overall feeling of family, I’m so happy to be volunteering here.

What is the best part of volunteering at Grandview Kids for you?

The best part of being a volunteer is interacting with the children, watching them grow and benefit from their treatments, feeling like part of the Grandview family and getting the welcome and sense of belonging from the incredible staff.

Who inspires you to volunteer or give back? 

My inspiration is a desire to give back and help in any capacity. I volunteered in my late teens and early 20s when my boys were young, and now, in my retirement, I’m so happy to have a sense of purpose in my community.

Join Grandview Kids’ growing team of volunteers!

We are looking for regular weekly volunteer support at our new Ajax-based headquarters (1461 Harwood Ave. N.) and our Dwyer site (590 Rossland Rd. W., Oshawa). Read more below about the types of volunteer roles we are recruiting for.

“Meet and Greet” Volunteer

Locations available: Ajax Headquarters and Dwyer

Located at our Welcome Centre/Front Desk, and also referred to as the “Director of First Impressions,” the “Meet and Greet” volunteer role provides a warm welcome to clients, families and visitors entering our sites. Volunteers in this role answer general questions, support wayfinding and assist with reminder calls for upcoming appointments. They may also assist in answering an overflow of incoming calls and support administrative tasks from administrative and clinical teams.

Café Volunteer

Location available: Ajax Headquarters

Fulfilling drink and snack orders from families, visitors and staff, maintaining clean operations, ensuring inventory is stocked and operating and taking payment via a point-of-sale device. No food preparation is required as all food items available in the café will be prepackaged. Only cashless payment options will be available at the café.

Weekly shifts will be Monday through Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., or 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. It is anticipated that 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. shifts and Saturday shifts will be added in 2025 based on appointment volumes.

Other roles you may perform as a volunteer

Volunteers are also considered for more hands-on volunteering opportunities when new ones come up. Some more recent opportunities include assisting with groups during March Break and Summer Camps, Recreation Therapy programs and services, special events in the community, assisting clinicians with workshops, working with our Research Team, etc.

How to apply

If you are interested in and able to commit to being an engaged volunteer for at least four months on a regular volunteer shift, please visit our Volunteer webpage to learn more and complete an application.

Grandview Kids parent and Board member, Leisa Ackerblade, reflects on the Parent Task Force’s advocacy to construct the New Grandview Kids

Read Leisa’s remarks below, which she shared at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of Grandview Kids’ new Ajax Headquarters – The Jerry Coughlan Building.

Leisa speaking at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony in front of a podium that reads "Building Ontario." — Leisa speaking at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony.

Leisa’s remarks

My name is Leisa Ackerblade; I’m a member of the Board of Trustees and a proud Grandview parent.

I was honoured to be a part of the Grandview Parent Task Force, a group that began in 2014 with the goal of advocating for a new headquarters for Grandview Kids.

Fast forward, 10 years later, it’s here. This is a surreal moment for us – many of the Task Force parents are in this room. We can’t believe that what was once a dream, has turned into a reality.

We are so proud, and we know this facility will have a profound impact on children, youth, and families – now and for generations to come.

Thanks, Tom and Avori, for asking me to speak on behalf of parents and families today. But you know, sometimes, us parents go a little rogue. So, I’d like to take this opportunity to say a few thank yous—on behalf of parents and families.

To our elected officials and friends in government, particularly the Ministry of Children, Community, and Social Services, thank you for not only hearing us but for listening.

We knew you heard us – because let’s face it… we got kind of loud. But you went beyond that. Thank you for listening to our stories and for understanding why this facility was so critical to kids in Durham Region. Thank you for continuing to listen, and for walking this journey with us.

To Team Grandview. And when I say Team Grandview, I mean TEAM GRANDVIEW. From the Board to Senior Leadership, to every staff member from every discipline, volunteers, our friends at the Foundation, donors, partners. Thank you.

I’m not sure you quite know the impact that you make.

Thank you for believing in the potential of our kids.

Thank you for delivering exceptional care and creating welcoming, safe and inclusive spaces for our children to learn and grow – at their own pace, in their own time.

You cheer for our kids as loud as we do – and bring your own pom poms to work every day. You show the same dedication, passion and care whether we are your first appointment of the day, or your last appointment of the day.

You never falter.

We see you. We appreciate you. We thank you.

And finally – to our kids. The very special people who inspired us to act.

Thank you.

Thank you for showing us determination.

Thank you for showing us strength.

Thank you for never losing faith.

We are so proud to be your parents.

You are miracles, you are marvels and you are magic.

This building is your legacy too.

And to the future generation of Grandview kids who will experience amazing ‘firsts’ within these walls. I hope that seeing this massive project become a reality shows you, that if you can dream it, you can do it.

Grandview …. is for the dreamers.

We can’t wait to watch you discover your full potential.

You got this.

To quote the great Dr. Suess….who should be quoted to conclude all parent speeches –

“You’re off to great places!

Today is your day!

Your mountain is waiting, so… get on your way!”

Written by Grandview Kids Social Worker, Mandy

Healthy boundaries are evident when people feel comfortable and safe. Boundaries are an important part of any relationship, personal or professional, for individuals to feel respected and to be respectful to others. They recognize that interactions include emotional, physical, use of time, intellectual, material (i.e., loaning money), relationship, professional and digital or online.

A graphic depicting a cartoon woman drawing a circular boundary around her in a lush landscape.

Healthy boundaries are:

A safeguard to overextending yourself
A self-care practice
A way of defining roles in a relationship
Strategies to communicate acceptable and unacceptable behaviours
Perimeters for knowing what to expect in relationships
How we can express our own needs

Boundaries are based on values and are individual to each of us. What is comfortable for one may not be for another. As important as it is to set your own boundaries, it is just as important to recognize and respect the boundaries of others.

However, this is sometimes a difficult feat. If this is a challenge for you, know that you are not alone. Our life experiences define our boundaries, and others can influence us until we identify the need to define them ourselves.

Consider a time that you felt uncomfortable or unsafe with someone. For example, you feel that you cannot express your own opinion in a family discussion for fear of being ridiculed. That is usually indicative of a pattern in the family dynamics. Replay that same scenario in your head, but imagine you are using confident body language and assertive communication.

“I can see where you are coming from. However, my experience with this is…”

If the person you are interacting with becomes disrespectful towards you, you can say “no.” Everyone always has the right to say no, whether it’s a friend asking for favours or someone threatening your personal safety.

“I’m not comfortable with this…”
“Please don’t do that…”
“I’ve decided not to…”

An explanation isn’t required, but use ‘I’ statements if you want to.

“I feel that you are taking advantage of me when you ask me to…”
“I feel disrespected when you speak to me like that…”

On the flip side is respecting the boundaries of others. Remember that these are all individual. You may be someone who likes to hug but physical touch could be triggering for some people.

“Is it ok if I give you a hug?”
“I would prefer if you didn’t.”
“Ok, I’ll remember that from now on.”

Hot topics, such as politics and religion, can be uncomfortable conversations for some. You can start a respectful conversation by explaining your own boundaries.

“I am very thoughtful about the election. Can we discuss that?”
“I am also very thoughtful about it but am uncomfortable discussing politics.”
“That’s understandable. What would you like to talk about?”

A healthy interaction is a give-and-take activity. If you start to feel unheard, disrespected or uncomfortable, that means that you are giving too much of yourself in that scenario, and it’s a good time to bring out your boundaries. If you notice someone you are speaking with seems uncomfortable or angry, consider that you might be taking too much in that conversation and need to respect other’s boundaries.

Remember that your self-care is top priority!

In December and January, we acknowledge Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa and Orthodox Christmas. Read more about each holiday below, written by members of our Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) Committee.

Hanukkah: December 25 to January 2, 2025

Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, originates from a historical conflict in 175 B.C., when King Antiochus prohibited Judaism in Judea, resulting in the destruction of the Temple of Jerusalem. The subsequent rebellion, led by Judah the Maccabee, culminated in victory around 164 B.C. The unique aspect of Hanukkah lies in the miraculous event involving a single jar of oil found upon the Maccabees’ return to the Temple. Initially sufficient for one day, this oil inexplicably burned for eight days, providing ample time for the victorious Maccabees to secure additional sacred oil. This extraordinary occurrence is commemorated through Hanukkah’s eight nights of celebration.

Today, the festival’s commencement varies in the Gregorian calendar, with the 2024 celebration spanning from December 25, 2024, to January 2, 2025. Traditional practices include lighting a menorah, adding one candle each night, reciting blessings and exchanging gifts. The festival also features festive foods like sufganiyot and latkes, symbolizing the enduring lamp oil. Families partake in spinning a dreidel for chocolate gelt, adding to the rich traditions of Hanukkah.

Christmas: December 25, 2024

Christmas Day is celebrated globally to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. It is observed by both Christians and non-Christians as a religious and cultural holiday. Though the exact date of Jesus’s birth is not recorded in the Bible, December 25 corresponds with the traditional date of the winter solstice on the Roman calendar.

As recounted in the Bible’s New Testament, the Christmas narrative aligns with messianic prophecies told in the Old Testament. It was said that Jesus’s mother, Mary, would conceive through immaculate conception and that He would be born in a manager in Bethlehem. Mary and her husband Joseph, though originally from the town of Nazareth in Galilee, were on a journey to Bethlehem to fulfill census requirements decreed by Caesar Augustus. Once in Bethlehem, there was no room for them at the inn, only finding respite in a stable where Jesus would be born. The angels proclaimed the good news of the promised Saviour’s birth to lowly shepherds who then spread the word.

For many people, Christmas is not celebrated as a religious holiday but rather as a cultural holiday full of traditional celebrations with friends and family.

Many traditions accompany the Christmas holiday, such as giving presents, frequently associated with a figure named Santa Claus. Other traditions include the sending of cards to family and friends, parties with good food and drink, and the singing of carols and other songs.

On behalf of the IDEA Committee, Merry Christmas to all celebrating! “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those whom He is pleased!” (Luke 2:14 ESV). 

Kwanzaa: December 26 to January 1, 2025

Kwanzaa is an African American cultural holiday that is embraced in Canada and across the globe. The holiday is dedicated to celebrating African family, community and culture. Dr. Maulana Karenga, the founder of Kwanzaa and a member of the organization Us, established the holiday in 1966–67 as a response to race riots in Los Angeles, aiming to affirm African American culture and foster unity.

Celebrated from December 26 to January 1, Kwanzaa derives its name from Swahili, meaning “first fruits,” and is characterized by a seven-day observance aligning with the seven principles of Nguzo Saba: umoja (unity), kujichagulia (self-determination), ujima (collective work and responsibility), ujamaa (co-operative economics), nia (purpose), kuumba (creativity), and imani (faith). Symbolism during Kwanzaa includes seven community values represented by symbols such as a straw mat, fruits, vegetables, corn, a cup, a kinara with seven candles and homemade gifts. Kwanzaa, spanning seven days, culminates in a vibrant December 31 celebration marked by gatherings in colourful African attire, a festive feast called karamu, and lively music, dance and singing, while the final day, January 1, is quieter and allows reflection on personal goals and aspirations for the upcoming year.

Orthodox Christmas: January 7, 2025

Orthodox Christmas is observed on January 7 by Eastern Orthodox Christians, marking the birth of Jesus Christ. It’s observed as per the Julian calendar, not the Gregorian calendar. This holiday is considered one of the most important in the Orthodox Christian calendar, marked by sacred rites, holy liturgies, and family gatherings. The tradition of observing Orthodox Christmas was carried over to Canada by immigrants from Eastern European countries such as Russia, Ukraine, Serbia, and Greece, amongst others. It continues to thrive in diverse, multicultural Canadian society today.