So close, yet so far.
Pre-schooler Ryan Barry’s challenges prevent him from walking to a playground near to his daycare, Island Life Early Learning Centre, meaning he would miss out on outside playing time.
The youngster’s strength will not hold out long enough for him to walk with all the other kids from his daycare to the playground and then walk back to the daycare after a vigorous playtime. The only option available was a wheelchair but a wheelchair is not applicable to Barry’s situation, said Michaela Lawson of the Supported Child Development Program at Campbell River and District Association for Community Living.
So, a search was put on to find him a stroller and a request was put into the Rotary Club of Campbell River to help with the purchase. Rotary expedited the request which was made on March 5 and the stroller was delivered March 9.
“Rotary moved as quickly as we could,” said Rotary Club president Ian Baikie. “We were very happy to do it.”
Now, the youngster can catch a ride to the park and save all his energy for the playground.