Ontario Construction News staff writer
Niagara Children’s Centre has launched its 2026 Help Kids Shine campaign, featuring families who use the centre’s services as campaign ambassadors.
Throughout the month-long campaign, families will share their experiences online and through radio interviews to raise awareness of the therapy and support services provided by the centre.
The Help Kids Shine campaign relies on community donations throughout May to sustain programs and services for families, including those not covered by provincial funding such as recreation therapy, family-to-family support programs and aquatics.
“We are incredibly grateful to our campaign sponsors whose continued support helps bring Help Kids Shine to life each year,” said Noella Klawitter, CEO of Niagara Children’s Centre, noting the campaign’s role in extending support to more children and families across Niagara.
She also recognized long-time presenting sponsors 610 CKTB, 97.7 HTZ FM and Dream 105.7 for amplifying the centre’s mission and helping give families a platform to share their stories.
To help meet this year’s fundraising goal, Dan and Sharon O’Hara have returned as match donors for the fourth consecutive year, pledging to match up to $25,000 in donations made during the campaign.
“Donations to Help Kids Shine make an immediate and meaningful difference,” Klawitter said. “Each contribution ensures even more families have access to our programming and support.”
For St. Catharines couple Dan and Sharon O’Hara, the campaign carries personal significance. In 1984, their daughter Katie was born with hydrocephalus, a buildup of fluid in the brain’s cavities.
“Niagara Children’s Centre helped us so much,” said Sharon O’Hara. “They guided us through all the resources for funding and provided Katie with therapy from physio to speech. I really got to know the staff and the other families, and it was a welcoming community.”
Niagara Children’s Centre encourages residents to follow its social media channels and tune into upcoming radio interviews with Whiteoaks Communications Group properties, including 610 CKTB, to learn more about how to support the campaign. Donations can be made at HelpKidsShine.ca.
Last year, the centre provided rehabilitation and child development services to more than 6,100 children and youth across the Niagara Region with physical, developmental and communicative delays. Services include physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, augmentative and alternative communication, family services and therapeutic recreation.
