The Ottawa Children’s Treatment Centre Foundation hosted the 18th Annual “For the Kids” Auction, raising $163,000 to support the services and programs of the Ottawa Children’s Treatment Centre.
Joined by community leaders, local celebrities, and most importantly, the families served, the Ottawa Children’s Treatment Centre Foundation hosted the event which saw more than 250 articles auctioned off in the live and silent auction.
The Ottawa Children’s Treatment Centre (OCTC) supports families who have a child or youth with multiple physical, developmental, and associated behavioural needs. More than 4,000 families receive services from the Ottawa Children’s Treatment Centre annually.
550 guests at the event heard about Elaan who has been benefiting from the services of the Ottawa Children’s Treatment Centre since he was just a toddler. His mother, Natasha Bakht and his Godmother, Lynda Collins, shared a message about their experience:
“Elaan is an incredibly happy child with an infectious smile. We feel so grateful to have him in our life. He has taught us to be more present and to appreciate the important, small things in life. The entire team at the OCTC rejoices in Elaan’s successes and empathizes when we have difficult times. They make a life-changing difference for us, for Elaan, and for all of the other kids that they serve.”
Also sharing their stories were Drs. Emma and Wade Gofton and their children Aislinn and Tait. Aislinn and Tait are graduates of the Ottawa Children’s Treatment Centre School Program. The skills they learned through the OCTC programming helped them to prepare to join their community schools and their parents shared their joy at their successes.
“It is truly amazing how much OCTC does for families like ours. Without their help, my kids would not have all they do today – from specialized seating and communication computers to power wheel chairs – all of which provide them with independence, mobility and dignity. Nor would they have had the ability to succeed as much as they have done to date – participating in sports, school and travel. OCTC has been invaluable to our family and 1000’s more in our community. We are so grateful to all those that support OCTC and our kids. Thank you.”
“Every year, I feel so humbled to be a part of this special event,” said Foundation Executive Director, Chantal Dompierre. “Not only is it a wonderful opportunity to raise funds for the Ottawa Children’s Treatment Centre, but to hear from the families, who with the right tools and supports are watching their children grow and reach their fullest potential, well, it’s inspiring.”
To learn more about the Ottawa Children’s Treatment Centre, or to make a contribution to the Auction or Foundation, please visit www.octc.ca.