No balloons celebrated JackB次元官网网址檚 birth.
A photo shows mom Rachel seeing him for the first time in the delivery room, but she doesnB次元官网网址檛 remember the moment. She was in shock, fearful for her son who was born 2 陆 months early.
B次元官网网址淭he first week of JackB次元官网网址檚 life, I didnB次元官网网址檛 want to leave him in the hospital,B次元官网网址� Rachel recalls. B次元官网网址淓very time I said goodbye, I wondered if it would be forever.B次元官网网址�
Knowing youB次元官网网址檙e not alone
Bringing Jack home two months later, Rachel feared she and husband Lewis wouldnB次元官网网址檛 know how to help him thrive on their own? Thankfully, with the generosity of local donors, they never had to find out.
Donations to the ensured the family could access the Queen Alexandra Early Intervention Program, which helps families living in Greater Victoria and the Southern Gulf Islands develop skills to support their childB次元官网网址檚 development.
Help beyond the hospital
Babies like Jack need a lot of support even after leaving the hospital. And for families living outside urban centres, the Foundation funds programs and services enriching the lives of children in their own communities.
Gold RiverB次元官网网址檚 new ChildrenB次元官网网址檚 Health Hub, for example, provides much-needed access to specialists, including occupational therapists, nutritionists, physiotherapists and audiologists.
Early Intervention consultant Jocelyn has worked with Jack throughout his development, providing his parents with the support and guidance they need to confidently help him reach his full potential.
Making giving easy and impactful
With the publicB次元官网网址檚 continued generosity, even more can be done for Island families. Beyond a single donation, monthly giving is an easy way to provide ongoing support, and provides the Foundation with a steady source of revenue to keep programs going strong all year long.
B次元官网网址淥ur caring supporters are the reason the Foundation can offer vital programs like Early Intervention and provide families in rural and remote communities across Vancouver Island with access to child-focussed specialists,B次元官网网址� says Veronica Carroll, Chief Executive Officer.
Better yet, if you by Dec. 31, your donation is eligible for a 2017 tax receipt.
Seasonal celebrations of Island kids
Celebrate the season at the Hotel Grand Pacific and help put a smile on the faces of Island families:
To Dec. 23 B次元官网网址� Woodland Wonderland Photo Booth, in the hotel lobby. Snap a family photo in this cozy holiday scene and be sure to enter the colouring contest while youB次元官网网址檙e there. Share your photo on social media with #IslandKidsFirst, and $1 will be donated to the ChildrenB次元官网网址檚 Health Foundation!
To Dec. 23 B次元官网网址� Cocoa + Cookies, from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Pacific Restaurant, plus carols on the weekends.
Dec. 10 B次元官网网址� in the ballroom. Enjoy breakfast with Santa, decorate cookies, make holiday crafts and more.
Learn more about how you can help local families on or at
