Welland

In their 100 years of service, the Rotary Club of Welland has had a special focus on improving the lives of children with disabilities and supporting their families. That support includes not only Niagara Children’s Centre since its inception in the 1960’s, but many years spent supporting Easter Seals Ontario and its Camp Lakewood for children with disabilities. The selection committee felt it was particularly fitting to recognize the Club as part of their Centennial celebrations and close to 100 years of supporting children with special needs.

 

“Last year, our Centre served over 5,800 children, including 880 from Welland, and the Welland Rotary Club’s impact is felt every day. Whether it’s a communication device to trial to ensure that a child has the best option to suit their communication needs or a specialized gym and treadmill for pediatric use that allows a child to slowly and steadily strengthen their body or special lifts for the pool and medical clinic that allows a child to participate more easily and safely. Each donation has strengthened our ability to meet our mission of helping children and youth reach their full potential,” shared Oksana Fisher, Centre CEO.

 

The Club was part of a large-scale effort to bring a “crippled children’s centre” to Niagara, and contributed $12,500 to the initial building campaign in 1969, making them a founding partner. In 1992, the club raised $50,000 for the Centre as part of a 5 year-long capital campaign to support our building expansion. Between 2000-2020, another $53,000 was raised to support various projects, equipment, and therapy programs. This has allowed our clients – children across Niagara – to access the tools and therapies they need to shine.

 

The relationship between Niagara Children’s Centre and Rotary Club of Welland is deeply embedded in both organizations and goes well beyond financial support. Welland Rotarians have served on the Centre’s Board of Directors and in Senior Leadership positions. Volunteering their time, their expertise, and their hearts to children in Niagara.

 

The Club was also a dedicated supporter of Easter Seals Ontario dating back as early as 1940, making several donations and contributing over $10,000 towards the opening of Camp Lakewood in Niagara in the ’50s and an additional $10,000 in the late ’90s to keep it operational. Prior to Camp Lakewood’s opening, Welland Rotarians sent up to 18 children to the Easter Seals’ Camp Woodenden in London for a 3-week camp experience.

 

Camp Lakewood, located in Wainfleet, was a focal point for Welland Rotary’s volunteer activities and fundraising. Children with disabilities from across Niagara were able to attend a camp in their own community, which promoted important friendships between peers and provided the experience of a fun summer tradition. Camp Lakewood operated from 1948 to 2001.

 

For all of these reasons, Niagara Children’s Centre is proud to recognize this truly deserving group in recognition of outstanding dedication to and the positive impact made on the quality of life for children and youth with disabilities, living in Niagara for almost 100 years.

 

In 2014 to commemorate the Centre’s 50th anniversary, the Board of Directors approved the introduction of a new award, to honour the legacy of Dr. Orr. This prestigious award recognizes outstanding dedication to supporting the mission and vision of Niagara Children’s Centre and positively impacting the quality of life of children and youth with disabilities, in the Niagara Region.

 

President Sandy Graham, on behalf of the Club, thanked Oksana and the Niagara Children’s Centre for this remarkable honour. “We have been privileged, over the past 100 years, to have had a positive impact on children in need within our local and international community. To be in such a close relationship with a wonderful organization is an honour."