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Loud, noisy and happy 
More than 900 children and youth participate in programs and activities at Holland Bloorview over the course of the year, but it felt like all 900 of them invaded the hospital this summer. Here is a snapshot of what they were up to the first part of the year, thanks to donor contributions to the No Limits Campaign for Childhood Disability.
Send in the clowns
Dr. Flap and Nurse Polo had a busy summer. Whether they were working with a child one on one or staging impromptu performances in the hallway with groups of children, the impact of therapeutic clowning is as obvious as the red nose on your face.
The right equipment
A wheelchair, walker, hoyer lift, communication device - it's not that any one of these items is astronomically expensive, but if you need all of them, how do you choose, especially with all the other costs associated with raising a child with a disability. Hence the need for our family support fund.
A good summer to be in the garden
 Spiral Garden never disappoints. For over 30 years now, the magic of the garden has inspired children of all abilities to discover their hidden talents for music, acting, gardening, adventure, pottery, puppetry and the flaming marshmallow, the list goes on.
Urban explorers
The Independence Program (TIP) continues to flourish, helping young people flex their self confidence and practice their daily living skills while living in downtown Toronto.
Camping indoors can be fun too
For children spending the summer with us who can't get to the garden, Holland Bloorview turns a conference room on the inpatient unit into a delightful respite camp. You know from your own experiences that when you're camping, the days pass quickly and if you are laughing and active your recovery will happen more quickly too.
The Grocery Foundation Family Resource Centre
 Check out the redeveloped online resources that help educate and empower families with information and support. Parents have questions. We've got answers. But more important, it's all the different ways families can access information - in person, online, through the Warmline, the "Bloom" Blog and now the Family Leadership Program. Over 50 family leaders have been recruited to be advisors, mentors and teachers to other families. Very powerful.
Youth take over the school
It's not what you think! Several hundred youth made use of empty classrooms in the school this summer to work on their resumes and brush up on their interview skills before spending two weeks on-the-job in the community. Youth @ Work is one of those programs that helps youth prepare for the rest of their lives. | 
As a donor to Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital you are an important member of the family. There are times when your gifts are the difference between hope and despair or between participating or being left behind. Programs that we have offered for decades exist because of your donations. We can't imagine what Holland Bloorview would be today if not for your support. And we don't have to, thanks to your generosity. It is one of those family legacies you can be most proud of. As a result of these donor-supported programs, your Holland Bloorview family has had a very busy summer. Please scroll down to read about your giving's tremendous value and some examples of your dollars at work.
Building family strength and resilience is at the heart of our campaign mission. From respite programs to financial assistance to information resources, Holland Bloorview's family support programs are designed to strengthen families. Now we are going a step further and making families full partners in care.
