A family who has benefitted from services at the John McGivney Children's Centre for the last two years held a fundraiser this summer to give back to the centre.
The Doerksen family raised $10,000 through a backyard BBQ and concert.
"There is nothing more beautiful than someone who goes out of their way to make life better for others. This is how we feel about the John McGivney Children’s Centre and why we chose to raise money to support them,” said Lisa Doerksen.
Doerksen's son Oakley was diagnosed with Limb Body Wall Complex and was given a 2 per cent chance of survival at birth. He is now almost three years old.
He started working with the John McGivney Centre at three months old and has been receiving physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, and occupational therapy.
“The Centre has been so patient with us and has done amazing things to get Oakley to where he is today. Oakley is now walking around in his little pacer that the Centre has provided for him and he is just enjoying life, regardless of the obstacles that may be in his way,” said Doerksen.
Staff at the John McGivney Centre were amazed by the donation.
“This is so humbling,” says Maria Kmet, occupational therapist. “This young family is amazing and it has been a pleasure working with his parents and with Oakley. We are so grateful for their very generous donation, and it will be put to very good use.”