Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island announced this week it will disburse $2.25 million in funding to Island programs that support children and youth with disabilities and health challenges.
Twenty-four organizations across the Island will receive funding this year, including two programs in Campbell River— Dogwood Place Child and Youth Development Centre ($15,000) and the John Howard Society of the North Island ($25,000).
At Dogwood Place, the funding will go towards the purchase of equipment to create a safe and inviting space for children with sensory needs and their families.
The John Howard Society is a mentoring program which focuses on the positive development of children and youth ages 6-18 who could benefit from having stable and caring adults in their lives.
Approximately 25 per cent of participants have a formal mental health diagnosis, and the remainder display behaviour and actions that put them at risk of developing mental health difficulties.
“Our funding helps children’s programs thrive and grow, programs which are essential to supporting the health of Island children with disabilities and health challenges,” said Linda Hughes, president and CEO of Children’s Health Foundation.
“We are grateful to our donors who support our work and who believe in helping Island kids achieve great health outcomes.”
Since 1984, the foundation has invested over $44 million in programs that benefit children with disabilities and health challenges.
Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island is a registered charity that raises funds to support children with disabilities and health challenges on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. The foundation owns and operates Jeneece Place in Victoria and built the Sooke and West Shore Child, Youth & Family Centres.
Children’s Health Foundation was previously known as the Queen Alexandra Foundation for Children and traces its roots back to 1927.