Thank you for trusting us to handle your stories with the love, care and attention they deserve. We sincerely hope you’ve felt this in every issue. Here’s to many more years of storytelling and celebration through Gather! 



The Senior Leadership Team and I also appreciate the opportunity to answer your questions or address your concerns. Please keep the feedback coming here.

Recognizing that most of our readers are Grandview Kids clients and families, we are asking for your help to recognize the extraordinary contributions of Team Grandview. Starting today, you can nominate a Grandview Kids staff member, physician, volunteer or student who has made a lasting difference in the life of your child, youth or family for a Power of One Award.

Nominations are open until 11:59 p.m. on Monday, May 19. The nomination form only takes a few moments to complete and will have an incredible impact on the individual you nominate. 

Grandview Kids Autism Therapy Assistant, Kaitlynn, being presented with The Power of One Award in 2024!

This month, we are also looking for new members to join Grandview Kids’ Board of Directors and Board Committees as Community Representatives. These individuals will support us in achieving our goals and maximizing our impact in the Durham Region. We seek candidates with demonstrated experience in Information Technology, accounting and risk management. The deadline to apply is Friday, May 9, 2025. If you are interested in joining the Board of Directors, please visit our website to review all the details and how to submit an application. 

Also, as you might already be aware, Grandview Kids has two signature fundraising events this month! First up, on May 8 is McHappy Day®, where proceeds from purchases at select McDonald’s® restaurants in Ajax will directly support Grandview Kids and Ronald McDonald House Charities. Second is the Golf Fore Grandview Kids Charity Golf Classic, which takes place on May 29 at the Deer Creek Golf Club. We are deeply grateful to the donors and sponsors who continue to partner with us on these heartwarming, fun events in our community. Thank you also to our exceptional Ambassador Families for supporting the promotion of these events. Please find all the details about these events below.  

Lastly, as we look to our third year of Gather, if you missed any of last year’s issues, they are available to access on our website. 

Take care, 

Tom McHugh

CEO, Grandview Kids

Janae’s Story: Paediatric Stroke Awareness Month

Paediatric Stroke Awareness Month is observed annually in May to bring awareness to the issue. This seemingly rare yet critical issue often goes unnoticed by millions of people. Read as Grandview Kids Graduate, Janae, and her mother, Catherine, detail their journey.

Visit our blog to read more about former Grandview Kids Graduate, Janae's story >

Malcolm's Story:

Vision Health Month

Vision Health Month is a time to focus on eye health and vision care, encouraging protective measures to protect and maintain healthy vision. Grandview Kids parent, Jessica, shares her family’s journey with their 3-year-old son Malcolm’s vision loss due to Septo-optic dysplasia (SOD).

Visit our blog to read more about Grandview Kids client, Malcolm's story >

Celebrating National Physiotherapy Month!

Grandview Kids supports children and youth with a wide range of physical and developmental needs. Physiotherapists work to help with managing chronic pain, recovery from illness, injury or surgery and to improve flexibility, strength and balance. Through the support of gross motor development and improvement, our Grandview Kids physiotherapists support children and youth to live, learn and play.

Visit our blog as Natalie D. shares details surrounding the important and rewarding work she does as a Grandview Kids Physiotherapist >

Upcoming programs, workshops and events

Family Engagement

May Caregiver Café  

Join us for a relaxing and uplifting evening designed just for caregivers! Take some well-deserved time for yourself to indulge in light refreshments, connection with fellow caregivers and a special chair yoga session led by our Peer Navigators — no experience needed! Chair yoga is gentle, refreshing and perfect for all mobility levels. Leave feeling refreshed, connected and ready for the summer days ahead.

• Date: Thursday, May 29, 2025 
• Time: 6 to 8 p.m.  
• Location: Learning Centre (Room 1004) – The Jerry Coughlan Building, 1461 Harwood Ave N, Ajax, L1T 0R3

Click here to register! 

Drop in at the Barrett Centre of Innovation in Sustainable

Urban Agriculture

Join a Peer Navigator at our neighbouring Agriculture Farm for a self-guided tour. The Barrett Centre is hosting a drop-in for Grandview Kids families and clients to allow them to view this amazing space in our community. Explore and take a look at their beautiful gardens!

• Date: Thursday, May 22, 2025 
• Time: 10 to 11 a.m. and 6 to 7 p.m.  
• Location: The Barrett Centre, 1355 Harwood Ave N, Ajax, L1T 4G8 
• Note: The parking lot is shared with J. Clarke Richardson Collegiate.  

Click here to learn more about the Barrett Centre! 

Spring Fling Dance Party 

As the days get warmer and the flowers begin to bloom, we invite you to shake off the winter chill and step into a world of rhythm, colour and energy at our Spring Fling Dance Party! This event will be filled with good vibes with friends, music and unforgettable memories.

Special features of the event include:

• Photobooth: Capture your spring spirit with friends at our fun photo booth. Props and themed backdrops will have you looking your best! 
• Chill Zone: Need a break from the dance floor? Our “Chill Zone” is the perfect place to kick back, relax and chat with friends before heading back out to dance. 

Caregivers must remain in attendance for the entire event. If you are sensitive to sound, please bring your noise-cancelling headphones.

• Date: Saturday, May 10, 2025 
• Time (two options):  
• 10 to 11:30 a.m. for new dancers  
• 1 to 2:30 p.m. for experienced dancers  
• Location: The Jerry Coughlan Building (Grandview Kids’ Ajax headquarters), 1461 Harwood Ave N, Ajax, L1T 0R3 

Registration for this event is required. Click here to register! 

Virtual Legal Guardianship Night 

Join us for an educational evening to learn about legal guardianship. This workshop will be facilitated by Rachel Merucci from TBH Legal and will help you plan for today or the future!

• Date: Monday, May 12, 2025 
• Time: 6 to 8 p.m.  
• Location: Virtual (meeting link will be sent out a few days before the workshop) 

Registration is required. Click here to register! 

Partner Spotlight: Grandview Kids and Lakeridge Health team up in a first-of-its-kind partnership in Canada

In early April, at a joint event hosted at The Jerry Coughlan Building in Ajax, Grandview Kids and Lakeridge Health announced their groundbreaking partnership to deliver sedation-supported care in the new, state-of-the-art outpatient procedure room in the Medical Services area of our Ajax-based headquarters. The partnership is the first-of-its-kind in Canada, which will enable monthly appointments for qualifying children and youth to receive procedures with sedation from Grandview Kids physicians and Lakeridge Health surgical and anesthesia staff.

In the new outpatient procedure room, parents and caregivers will be able to offer direct support for their child while they receive care (something not currently possible in a hospital setting). This partnership positions both Grandview Kids and Lakeridge Health as forward-thinking leaders in the Children’s Treatment Centre and healthcare sectors, highlighting the organizations’ common goal to enable positive and compassionate health outcomes for children and youth with physical, communication and developmental needs.

This announcement also launches the Lakeridge Health Foundation's $1 million fundraising campaign to support the procurement of various medical tools and anesthesia equipment necessary for the space. 

Program Spotlight: Complex Care Program

The Durham Region Complex Care Program celebrates its fourth anniversary of providing care to more than 75 children and youth with complex medical needs living in the Durham Region since its launch in May 2021.

This clinic is specifically tailored for children and youth with significant health complexities that often require frequent hospitalizations, involve multiple healthcare specialists and need extensive medical care.

Our Complex Care Program boasts an extensive team of healthcare professionals, including a SickKids paediatrician, a SickKids nurse practitioner, a Care Coordinator from Ontario Health at Home - Central East, a Grandview Kids Peer Navigator and Grandview Kids clinicians, such as an Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist, Speech-Language Pathologist, Recreational Therapist, Social Worker and Dietitian. 



Rhys, born prematurely at 29 weeks' gestation age with several diagnoses, including Cerebral Palsy, is a recent Complex Care Program graduate.

To honour the Complex Care Program’s fourth anniversary, Rhys’ mom, Becky, shares how participating in the program transformed their journey of fear and isolation into a story of belonging, connection and celebration on Grandview Kids’ blog.

Grandview Kids families are invited to our upcoming Memorial Service

Community Corner

Ajax Public Library

Did you know? The Family Resource Centre at The Jerry Coughlan Building is home to the Ajax Public Library's Grandview Kids Express Branch.

The Ajax Public Library invites you to attend the following events in April:

Storytimes 

• Sensory Storytime: Ages 2-6; drop in at the Grandview Kids Express Branch on Thursday, May 22, from 10 to 10:30 a.m. Connect with other families and enjoy fun themes, songs, and stories at this inclusive storytime where all are welcome.

Parents 

• Parent Café: Bibliotheraphy for Parents: Hosted virtually on Zoom. Advanced registration is required (register using the link above). Explore changes in parenting, followed by facilitator-guided discussions and reflections.

Specials 

• Homeschool Club: Homeschoolers ages 6 to 12; drop in at the Grandview Kids Express Branch on Friday, May 30, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Explore fun and information STEAM activities and connect with other homeschool learners at this meetup.

Other events 

• Indigenous Storytime with Dnaagdawenmag Binnoojiyag Child & Family Services: Ages 0-10; drop in at the Audley Branch on Saturday, May 10, from 10 a.m. to noon. Connect with our land, waters, plants and animals using a mix of Indigenous teachings, stories, songs and drumming. 
• Ajax Accessibility Fair: All ages; drop in at the Main Branch on Saturday, May 31, from 1 to 4 p.m. Stop in to learn about accessibility resources and supports available in the Durham Region, connect with local community organizations and join in the conversation about how we can build a more inclusive environment for all! Featuring keynote speaker Anthony Lue—local athlete, entrepreneur and accessibility ambassador.

For more Ajax Public Library events and collection information, visit: www.ajaxlibrary.ca. 

Pickering Public Library 

Learn more about program offerings from our community partner, the Pickering Public Library! If you have any questions about the offerings shared below, please contact your local Pickering Public Library branch. 

The Pickering Public Library invites you to attend the following events in May:

Youth Drop In: Ages 13 to 19 only; Thursdays from 4 to 5:30 p.m., at the Central Library. Games, Music, and snacks. Every week, every time. A Youth Outreach Worker from Durham Community Health Centre will be on site. Resources included. All welcome!

Neurodivergent Storytime (two dates): Ages 2 to 6; Thursdays, May 15 and 29 from 10 to 10:45 a.m., at the Pickering Public Library – Central Library Auditorium. 

• This storytime takes place in a quiet and safe environment. It includes interactive stories, songs, action-rhymes, fingerplays and sensory activities that promote literacy skills and development. This storytime is ideal for children with sensory processing sensitivities and those on the Autism spectrum. 

Neurodivergent Drop-in: Sunday, May 11, from 11 a.m. to noon at the George Ashe Library’s Quiet Study Room. 

• The library will host a unique event catering to families with children who identify as being neurodivergent to come and experience the library before regular operating hours. Children will have the opportunity to socially interact with each other in a safe and welcoming space. 
• This is a great opportunity for families to engage in play-based learning, explore the Library's resources and collection in a quiet, low-lighting environment and connect with other parents and caregivers. 

Dates of Significance

May 1 is National Physicians' Day 

May 1 is National Physicians’ Day! On this day, we recognize the extraordinary individuals who choose to serve in the profession of medicine. More specifically, here at Grandview Kids, we have a team of dedicated physicians who strive to offer outstanding paeditric care and rehabilitation services for the children and youth at Grandview Kids. 

Let’s take the time to recognize the dedication and hard work of Dr. Hunt, Dr. Knights, Dr. Siapno, Dr. Fischer, Dr. Stevenson, Dr. Chatur, Dr. Johnstone, Dr. Andrews, Dr. Buors, Dr. Campbell, Dr. Gardner, Dr. Mason, Dr. Mohile, Dr. Montgomery and Dr. Wong. We cannot thank them enough for the incredible support they provide our families.

Every month, members of Team Grandview’s Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) Committee research and share blog posts about holidays, cultural celebrations, awareness days and other dates of significance that are meaningful to staff, clients, caregivers, partners and the community. 

In May, we acknowledge Speech and Hearing Month, Paediatric Stroke Awareness Month, Mental Health Awareness Month, National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, Mental Health Awareness Week, National Child & Youth Mental Health Day and others. Read more on our blog > 

We also acknowledge many holidays and celebrations this month, including Mother's Day, Canadian Jewish Heritage Month, Asian Heritage Month, Cinco de Mayo, Vesak and the Ascension of Baha’u’llah. Read more on our blog > 

Support Grandview Kids at these upcoming events in May!

Register today for the Golf Fore Grandview Kids Charity Golf Classic! 

The Golf Fore Grandview Kids Charity Golf Classic is back for its 29th year of excitement on the course on May 29, 2025! We are incredibly excited to return to the early days of summer when a spark of hope for the bright days ahead lights this incredible event aflame. Golf Fore Grandview Kids is an excellent source of happiness for community partners, Team Grandview, clients and their family members each year. We could not be more excited to see everyone’s smiling faces again as we raise funds for the inspiring children and youth we serve at Grandview Kids for another incredible year. 

Where: Deer Creek Golf and Banquet Facility 

When: Thursday, May 29, 2025 

Join us for a day of laughter, excitement and camaraderie! To learn more about the event, registration or sponsorship opportunities, follow the button below or email our Community Engagement and Donor Relations Officer, Lisa Pargetter! 

Join Grandview Kids for McHappy Day® on May 8! 

McHappy Day® is just around the corner, happening on Thursday, May 8, 2025, and we couldn’t be more excited! 

This year, McDonald’s® restaurants in Ajax are supporting two incredible causes: Ronald McDonald House Charities and Grandview Kids. We are deeply grateful for the support McDonald’s® has shown Grandview Kids over the years, and we're proud to be partnering once again for a day that’s all about kindness, community and making a difference. 

We would love for you to be part of this amazing day by volunteering your time and your heart. Volunteers like you help bring our mission to life—sharing the story of Grandview Kids and the life-changing services we provide for children and families throughout our region. 

Volunteer shifts are as follows:

• 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 
• 5 to 7 p.m. 

Volunteer locations include: 

• Bayly/Harwood - 222 Bayly St W, Ajax 
• Kingston Rd/Salem - 135 Kingston Rd E, Ajax 
• Taunton/Ravenscroft - 1951 Ravenscroft Rd 

Volunteer roles may include: 

• Front door greeters 
• Drive-thru greeters 
• Selling McHappy® Day items 
• Collecting donations 

If you choose to volunteer for McHappy Day, please take 1-2 minutes to fill out this form, or contact Lisa Pargetter at Lisa.Pargetter@grandviewkids.ca! 

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Content in Gather is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor. Views expressed in posts and resources listed do not signify endorsement by Grandview Kids.