Denim & Diamonds
Our 5th Annual Gala, held on October 14, 2018, raised $44,000 in support of VHA Playdate — enough to fund two full recreational sessions for children with severe medical complexities, giving them the opportunity to socialize, play, and simply be kids.
Many thanks again to you and all the wonderful members of the Emajjin Children's Foundation Board for choosing VHA's Playdate program as the recipient of your fifth gala. We are so grateful that with your help, we can offer 2 programs in 2019. Your gift will have an immeasurable impact on many children with significant medical complexities and their families. I know first hand the joy, laughter and love your hard work putting on such a fundraising event will produce. Thank you again for doing what you do with great hearts!
Jyoti, I just wanted to give my personal thanks to you and your amazing volunteer Board for putting on such a lovely evening. It was so very touching to see how many folks came out to support Emajjin and the VHA Playdate. A testament to the good work your group is doing. I hope you have today to rest and recover as it is well deserved! Again, thank you so much for putting on such a wonderful event for all of us to participate in. Playdate is indeed so very lucky to be the recipient of this year's gala.
The fifth annual Emajjin Children's Foundation gala was held at the Brighton Event and Convention Centre in support of VHA Playdate — a program providing recreational experiences for children with very high medical needs, all of whom face challenges with communication, mobility, and social skills.
Each session costs $22,000 to run, covering a barrier-free venue, 12 personal support workers, 3 nurses, 1 occupational therapist, and volunteers — maintaining a minimum staff-to-child ratio of 1 to 5. Our most fervent hope going into the evening was to raise enough to fund two full sessions. We did exactly that.
For the children who attend, the outcomes are immeasurable. Perhaps for the first time, these very special members of our community are given the opportunity to have a friend. For the parents and caregivers — a much-needed break from what is a never-ending, herculean job.
Every dollar raised at the Denim & Diamonds Gala went directly toward funding VHA Playdate sessions — giving children with significant medical complexities the chance to experience the joy of play, animals, and friendship that so many of us take for granted.
Most children take playing and having friends as a normal part of their growth and development. But for children with severe communication gaps, forming and maintaining friendships can be almost impossible — and the opportunity for recreational time is minimal at best.
VHA Playdate exists to fill this gap. Their mandate is to provide recreational programs for children with very high needs — all of whom have difficulties with communication, mobility, social skills, and self-help skills, and all of whom require ongoing support and supervision. The program brings these children together in a barrier-free environment where they can simply be kids.
For parents and caregivers, the impact is equally profound. Supporting a loved one with special needs is a never-any-downtime, herculean job. A Playdate session gives caregivers a much-needed respite — knowing their child is safe, supported, and — perhaps most importantly — having fun.
Visit VHA PlaydateA Toronto-based program providing recreational experiences for children with significant medical complexities — giving them the joy of friendship and play.
www.vha.ca/playdate →
