Kids in Motion (KIM) fund was formed by Sunshine Coast Community Services Society (SCCSS) to help children with disabilities participate in community-based sports and leisure programs with able-bodied children, but participation in these programs often requires special equipment with significant costs.
"Equipment needs are an on-going concern for families with children with disabilities," said
Cris Rowan, pediatric Occupational Therapist with SCCSS. "The Ministry for Children and Family Development (MCFD) covers some basic equipment, but families are often expected to purchase transfer, personal, or mobility equipment, essential to their child's independence. There's no funding support from MCFD for equipment for recreational activities, and specialized equipment often needs replacement as children grow, an on-going cost to parents."
Parents have reached out to the community and as Patrice Pollack, program director for Child Development Services says, there has been a great response.
"The Sechelt Lions Club has been wonderful. Not only do they give generous financial support to both KIM and the therapeutic riding program, they're also supporting weekly riding programs for twelve children with disabilities," said Pollack. "They've donated funds for a tracking lift system used by children in wheelchairs who are unable to get on and off the horse.
"It's safe to say that without the Lions' assistance, these children would not be taking part in this activity that they love, and that offers immense therapeutic benefit."
The Sechelt Rotary Club has also stepped up to donate funds for slings that let two children in wheelchairs use a tracking lift system in their homes.
"Our thanks go to them and also to Jordan McCourt, a young man with cerebral palsy working at "Caps Off" Recycling Depot in Sechelt, who donates money from collected bottles to KIM," added Pollack.
SCCSS is now looking for KIM funds to meet other essential equipment needs.
The therapeutic riding program urgently requires a transportable platform and ramp system to improve safety and ease of transfers, and smaller children need helmets. A partially blind adolescent boy needs new glasses and railings for safe access to his home. Children with minimal function in their arms and hands need specialized toilet adaptors to achieve toileting independence.
For more information about KIM, or to donate funds for therapeutic programs or essential equipment for children with disabilities, see www.sccss.ca, click on Contribute then designate KIM in the Comments box or contact Rowan at 604-885-5881 ext 243.
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