Grandview Kids

Every Child And Youth Living Life At Their Full Potential

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Volunteer Spotlight – Heather A.

Volunteering

Meet Grandview Kids Volunteer, Heather A.!

How long have you been volunteering at Grandview Kids? 

I have been at Grandview for about 1.5 years.  I have assisted as a Meet & Greet volunteer and now I help at the Volunteer-run Café at the Ajax headquarters.

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

I would say go for it! It is a great organization for children and youth.

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

 I like talking to the customers and helping them find what they are looking for at the Café.  

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

Meeting new people.

Who inspires you to volunteer or give back? 

My roommate, Betty E., at Community Living and my boss, Tim, at WeCandle. 

Visit our volunteer page to learn more and apply to become a Grandview Kids volunteer!

Meet Grandview Kids Volunteer, Katrina B.!

How long have you been volunteering at Grandview Kids? 

I have been volunteering at Grandview since September 2025, so I’m fairly new! 

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

For anyone who would like to volunteer at Grandview Kids, I would say that’s an amazing choice, as this is an incredible company that supports children with physical, communication and developmental needs. Volunteering at Grandview Kids means you’ll be part of a team that makes a difference in families’ lives! 

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

As I have only volunteered at Grandview Kids for one month so far, I have not seen anything in particular. Although I have heard stories about the children reaching milestones by taking independent steps, saying their first words, or trying new skills they have been working on.  

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

The best part about volunteering at Grandview Kids is making a difference in children’s lives. No matter if it’s helping in programs, supporting an event, or being a friendly face, you are part of a team that helps kids achieve goals that may seem impossible. It could be the small moments of making children smile or building confidence; it can be rewarding. 

Who inspires you to volunteer or give back? 

As a Grandview Kid myself, my family’s influence inspired me to volunteer at Grandview Kids. I want to inspire and be that influence for children as they experience the Grandview life now, to show them that it does get better and that they will reach their potential. My mother has taken me to Grandview Kids for speech therapy and audiology to help me improve, and I have improved over time thanks to Grandview Kids! 

Visit our volunteer page to learn more and apply to become a Grandview Kids volunteer!

Meet Grandview Kids Volunteer, Terry J.!

Terry J. has played a pivotal role in the history of fundraising at Grandview Kids by serving as a past Grandview Kids Foundation Board Member and Chair, emceeing Golf Fore Grandview Kids, and continuing to give back to the children and youth we serve through his time and efforts.

How were you introduced to Grandview Kids in 1999? 

I was introduced to Grandview Kids while emceeing a variety of Charity Golf Tournaments. One day, I asked two gentlemen about what Grandview Kids is, as I had seen it on the cheques many times before, and they expressed that I had to come check it out for myself. Shortly thereafter, I toured through Grandview Kids on 600 Townline. After about a year, in 1999, the Grandview Kids Foundation reached out to me to join their Board of Directors for a three-year term. Each year, until 2006, my term was extended. In 2006-2007, I was asked to be the Board Chair. For approximately 11 years, I served on the Grandview Kids Foundation Board of Directors.

What would you say to someone who is considering getting involved with Grandview Kids, whether by giving their time, resources or support?

Anything to do with children, whether you are donating your time, support or money, it is for the children and youth. Once you walk through the halls, see the children, their families and the equipment, you see the WHY. Throughout my time with Grandview Kids, I observed various needs emerging for different types of machinery and accessible toys. Developing a Case for Support helped us make proper progress to support the kids in getting what they need. It all comes back to them.

What has been the most rewarding part of your involvement with Grandview Kids?

The most rewarding part of my involvement with Grandview Kids is seeing the tangible difference my involvement has made over the past 26 years. Seeing the same people at Golf Fore Grandview Kids and continuing to stay involved each year. Like everything else, seeing the fruits of your labour, big and small, is incredibly rewarding.

Who or what inspires you to give back and support the Grandview Kids community?

The inspiration never changes; it’ll always be the same. Helping families, children and youth by using the resources I have to make a difference will continue. Using your means to make a difference continues to inspire me and others. The delicious food, like pizza and sandwiches, at Board meetings was always a bonus!

Thank you, Terry!

Visit our volunteer page to learn more and apply to become a Grandview Kids volunteer!

Meet Grandview Kids Volunteer, Parisa F.!

How long have you been volunteering at Grandview Kids? 

I’ve been volunteering at Grandview Kids since July 2025, and it has already been such a meaningful experience.

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

Yes! One of the most interesting and rewarding experiences has been helping out during speech therapy sessions. Supporting the therapists and seeing firsthand how small strategies can have a profound impact on a child’s communication is truly rewarding to witness.

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

I would encourage them to give it a try! Volunteering at Grandview Kids allows you to work alongside incredibly dedicated professionals and make a real difference in children’s lives. It’s a warm and supportive environment where you’re constantly learning and growing.

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

The best part is being part of a team that is so passionate about empowering children. It’s incredibly rewarding to contribute, even in small ways, to the fantastic work that happens here every day.

Who inspires you to volunteer or give back? 

My family inspires me to give back. Their constant support, values, and generosity have shaped my perspective on community and kindness.

Visit our volunteer page to learn more and apply to become a Grandview Kids volunteer!

Meet Grandview Kids Volunteer, Ravetta R.!

How long have you been volunteering at Grandview Kids? 

I have been volunteering at Grandview Kids for over two years. 

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

Volunteering at bike camps over the summer was so much fun! We spent half a day running around helping kids learn how to ride their bikes. It was such a fun and rewarding experience.  

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

If you want a positive, welcoming environment to volunteer some time, go for it! The staff, clients and family are always a joy, and the community is very welcoming.

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

 It is fantastic to feel like you are contributing to creating a positive space. Also, as an aspiring health care professional, the best part is seeing the work of the Grandview Kids staff. Seeing the difference it makes in kids’ lives is truly inspiring. 

Who inspires you to volunteer or give back? 

My family is my biggest inspiration for volunteering. I have witnessed selfless acts of service from my family members throughout my life, and it is what inspires me to volunteer in my community. 

Visit our volunteer page to learn more and apply to become a Grandview Kids volunteer!

Grow with Grandview Kids as a member of the organization’s Board of Directors

Grandview Kids is currently recruiting four individuals to join our Board of Directors and three individuals to join Board Committees* as Community Representatives.

*Learn more about the roles of each Grandview Kids’ Board Committees here.

Grandview Kids – founded in 1953 – is an independently operated not-for-profit organization. We are the only Children’s Treatment Centre in Durham Region, providing specialized programs, outpatient clinical treatment and support to thousands of children and youth with physical, communication and developmental needs and their families.

What we do:

  • Assess, diagnose, prescribe and provide clinical treatment, specialized programs and therapies, and specialized equipment for children and youth with communication, physical or developmental needs;
  • Provide access to specialists, consultation and support for families;
  • Build capacity in the community through information, knowledge exchange and consultation with professionals and other organizations;
  • Participate in research activities and teaching in the field of children’s rehabilitation.

To learn more about our programs and services, click here to access our general fact sheet.

Who are we looking for?

Located in one of the fastest-growing regions in Ontario, Grandview Kids seeks individuals who want to support our organization’s development and growth to meet the need in our community and who are aligned with our vision, mission and values.

As we continue to enact our 2024-27 Strategic Plan, Powering Potential, and we remain focused on maximizing our impact in Durham Region through the delivery of high-quality care at our new, state-of-the-art headquarters based in Ajax and our four satellite locations in Bowmanville, Oshawa, Port Perry and Whitby.

To support us in achieving our goals and maximizing our impact in the Durham Region, we are seeking individuals with demonstrated experience in:

  • Information Technology
  • Accounting
  • Risk Management

Eligibility criteria

In order to be eligible to stand for election as a Director, each nominee must:

  • Be a resident of Durham Region or in the opinion of the Board maintain a direct and substantial interest in Durham Region, or, in the opinion of the Board, have the potential to make a significant contribution to the Corporation, and
  • Support and promote the purposes and objectives of the Corporation.

In order to be eligible to join as a Community Representative, each individual must support and promote the purpose and objectives of Grandview.

Interested in joining? Contact us.

If you are well-positioned to join Grandview Kids’ Board of Directors or Board Committees, please express your interest to Rachel.Bandele@grandviewkids.ca by Friday, May 9, 2025, and include copies of your resume and cover letter.

Other areas of expertise Grandview Kids is looking for in prospective Board members include:

  • Strategic Thinking – Ability to set long-term goals and develop strategies to achieve them. 
  • Financial Acumen – Proficiency in financial management, budgeting and financial reporting. Ability to analyze financial statements and understand key financial metrics. This could replace ‘accountant’ and ‘finance/banking’.
  • Governance and Compliance – Knowledge of corporate governance principles and best practices. Understanding of legal and regulatory requirements relevant to the organization.  This could incorporate ‘legal’ knowledge, too.
  • Leadership and Management – Experience in managing teams and driving organizational performance.
  • Communication and Interpersonal Skills – Effective communication skills to articulate ideas and build consensus. Ability to work collaboratively with other board members and stakeholders.
  • Ethics and Integrity – Commitment to ethical behaviour and integrity. Ability to uphold and promote the organization’s values and standards.
  • Innovation and Change Management  – Ability to foster innovation and drive change within the organization. Experience in managing organizational transformation and adapting to new trends.
  • Diversity and Inclusion – Understanding of the importance of diversity and inclusion in governance, and able to promote diverse perspectives and support an inclusive board culture.
  • Crisis Management – Experience in handling crises and navigating an organization through challenging times, and able to make quick, informed decisions under pressure.
  • Technology and Digital Literacy– Understanding of digital trends and technology’s impact on the organization (e.g., cyber liability) and an ability to leverage technology for strategic advantage and operational efficiency.

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Please contact us by telephone at 905-728-1673 or toll-free at 1-800-304-6180.