In February, a ground-breaking study that could unlock the world of choice for children who can't speak was published in the Journal of Neural Engineering and acknowledged with tremendous excitement around the world. It's no surprise that this study emanated from the research lab of Bloorview's renowned Pediatric Rehab Engineer and Canada Research Chair, Dr. Tom Chau.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On June 17, 2009, the 10th annual Circle of Honour Awards was emceed by CTV's Pauline Chan and included a special performance by Canadian singer, and former Bloorview client, Justin Hines. This year's recipients exemplify true excellence in creating a world of possibility for kids with disabilities.

 

Gavin never expected to need the services of Bloorview Kids Rehab.  But last July what began with just a sore throat turned into a life-altering condition called Guillain-Barre Syndrome.

 

Now 17, Gavin has spent more than six months as an inpatient at Bloorview Kids Rehab. When he arrived at Bloorview, he could barely move from the neck down.  He receives physiotherapy, occupational therapy, communications assistance and goes to school and recreational programs. Despite the many challenges he faces each day, Gavin is growing stronger and now walks the halls with the help of one cane.  He says he loves the teachers and the recreational programs at Bloorview.

Gavin's even found a way to help promote and raise money for other kids at Bloorview.  He designed a screen for a sweatshirt for the March Break Respite Camp.  Always looking at other creative outlets, his latest project is selling Bloorview bracelets in the style of Lance Armstrong's "Live Strong" yellow bands.

If you are interested in purchasing a "From disability to possibility" band for $5, please call 416-425-6220 x 6272.

 

Today, we are pleased to report on an important development in Canada's commitment to children with disabilities. Bloorview Kids Rehab, a global leader in the field of childhood disability, is pleased to announce the merger of two foundations to create the new Bloorview Kids Foundation.

 

The merger of Bloorview Children's Hospital Foundation and Bloorview Kids Foundation was unanimously approved at Bloorview's 2009 Annual General Meeting. The amalgamation was formally approved by the Office of the Ontario Public Guardian & Trustee, effective on June 30, 2009.

 

With invested assets of more than $50 million to further support and advance the cause of childhood disability, the merger creates Canada's largest foundation exclusively devoted to improving the health of children with disabilities. The new Foundation wants to ensure children with special needs will always have access to programs and services they need, obtain specialized equipment they require and the critical medical care they can't live without. 

On behalf of the kids, we would like to extend a million thanks to the Holland Family for the $1 million challenge.   And thanks to our generous donors who enabled us to meet it in record time!

 

On June 24, 2009, Bloorview's largest and most loyal community fundraiser, Bike for Tykes, succeeded in raising over $200,000 for Bloorview's highest priority needs. More than 100 teams of four riders each biked to upbeat music led by Toronto's best spin instructors.

 

The event, proudly sponsored by Hicks Morley and the Toronto Athletic Club, has raised over $1 million for children's charities over the past 10 years. The star of the show was participant, Chris Vollmershausen, a lawyer for Davis law firm, who raised $12,905 to honour his world record attempt for eating the most Ferrero Rocher chocolates in one minute. Chris tied the record on his first attempt and beat it on the second.

 

On May 29th, McCarthy Tétrault's beach volleyball tournament at Ashbridges Bay was a tremendous success, raising $20,560 in support of the Bloorview's urgent needs. Great weather and more than 15 law firms participating, made it a memorable day for Bloorview. Congratulations to the McCarthy Tétrault team for winning the event.

 

On June 22, 2009, more than 100 people came out to celebrate the third annual Reprodux Day at the Races! Once again, guests enjoyed a gourmet lunch served with bubbling champagne, and participated in an enticing silent auction. This year's event raised over $40,000 for Bloorview's vital needs.

McHappy Day

 

On May 9, 2009, the Bayview-Eglinton and Yonge-Eglinton McDonalds participated in McHappy Day in support of Bloorview. The event raised $5,561 for Bloorview's critical needs.