My students and I had to see a classmate, Daniela, leave at the beginning of the school year after she was diagnosed with Leukemia. Our entire school community was shaken and affected by this unsettling news. Daniela has been back to school, progressively, in the last 3 weeks and now it is summer vacation already! Our class had a lemonade stand on Friday, June 22 - the last day of school - to raise funds for The Children's in honour of Daniela. We raised $811.45! We were all very proud! Sophie Simone Grade 3/4 Teacher Saint Vincent Elementary School Photos

Have you ever made a donation and wondered, “Am I really making a difference?” The below is an actual letter written by art therapist Sally Cooke to the Board of Andy Collins for Kids, a group of volunteers who raise funds for The Children’s through a variety of annual initiatives. Like many programs at The Children’s, Art Therapy only exists thanks to the support of donors like these – and like you. Please read, and know that every day, in a million little ways, your donations really do change lives. Dear Mr. Charron and the Andy Collins for Kids Board, It has already …

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When Jonah Hoppenheim visited our office last week he was smiling from ear to ear. And with good reason. This community-minded 13-year-old was here to deliver a cheque for $4,050, every penny of which he raised himself by selling stylish bracelets made by hand out of recycled soda can tabs. It all started at last summer, when his little brother Jake came home from camp and made a nifty looking bracelet for Jonah out of soda tabs. It was unisex, environmentally responsible – and pretty darned cool looking. Jonah got so many compliments on his funky new bracelet, that he thought …

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Some families touch us in a special way. Alesia’s family is one of those. When they walked into our office after Alesia's death nearly two years ago, tragedy was fresh in their hearts. But from the ashes of a great sadness, the loss of their adored two-year-old daughter, they have built a legacy. This June, they are holding the second edition of Alesia’s Magnolias, a festival of epic proportions that brings together children and families to laugh, play and celebrate in Alesia’s memory. In anticipation of this event, Alesia’s mother was interviewed by nugglemamma.ca as part of …

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Human beings are by nature musical beings as they carry rhythm within their body and seek synchrony with others. Rhythm is present not only in our heart beat but also in our breathing which is influenced by our experiences. As music therapists, our role is to promote health by guiding children in using their musicality to find strength and empowerment when facing illness. We are present throughout the wards and clinics and work hand in hand not only with the multidisciplinary teams but also with the families to empower them in their unique role and guide them in helping their children …

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