OTTAWA PROGRAMS
The Great Escapes program provides a variety of special
outings for seriously ill children and their families, allowing
them to create memories outside of the hospital setting and
to meet other families facing similar challenges. Last year
events have included a movie screening, a trip to Mont Cascade
our annual picnic at the Lone Star Ranch. Many thanks to Saunders
farm for co-sponsoring our Halloween Great Escape. The afternoon
was a special one for all involved and gave out many families
numerous happy memories to reflect upon.
Additionally we would like to thank Loblaws Barrhaven for
their work with the gingerbread houses, Incredibles Catering
for a wonderful holiday menu and the staff of Le Grange de
Gatineau for their hard work and effort with regard to our
holiday party.
We will be hosting a variety of Great Escapes in the coming
months. Please check back in the weeks to come regarding upcoming
events.
The Hospital Happenings program reduces some of the
boredom, loneliness and fear often experienced by pediatric
patients….and it works! For children, the ability to share
a laugh with family, roommates and caregivers can be the best
medicine possible. Hospital Happenings include cheerful holiday
parties, laugh-filled visits from musicians, magicians, clowns
and entertainers, quite activities for children to do while
they are in bed, and many much more.
The Wish program provides seriously ill children the
chance wish and dream. Most of us are physically healthy and
able to enjoy and participate in many activities like sporting
and cultural events, parties, and family gatherings. Now imagine
how different those experiences might be if you were challenged
with a serious illness. Granting wishes provides hope, joy
and lasting memories for the whole family. Having a wish granted
is an exciting experience for a Wish Child's family, often
when they need happiness the most. A wish gives a family the
chance to have fun together outside the rigors of long-term
treatment. In this happy place of dreams come true there are
no doctors or social workers, just a child's imagination…and
a little Stardust! Wishes are granted to children between
the ages of 4-18 who are seriously ill. The enchanting nature
of Starlight's wish process is a many-step adventure, involving
doctors, volunteers, children and their families. Volunteers
all join in choosing possible options, including planning
the experience and sharing in its final fulfillment. To find
out more about how you can support any of these great programs
contact the Ottawa
office.
|
