The McGeachy Charitable Foundation provided a large boost in the quest for a new facility for the Children’s Treatment Centre (CTC) recently.
The McGeachy group donated $300,000 to the Butterfly Building Campaign.
The donation was made in celebration of National Philanthropy Day and in honour of the late Lynn McGeachy Schultz, a passionate advocate for the welfare of children.
The CTC provides therapy and services to children with special needs, developmental delays, and disabilities.
To expand their services and accommodate the growing number of children in need, the CTC needs to erect a new building. They’ve outgrown their facility on Lark Street in Chatham and have acquired property nearby on McNaughton Avenue West.
The McGeachy Charitable Foundation donation of $300,000 will make a significant impact on the capital project, according to CTC officials, helping to ensure the new treatment centre can continue delivering services and therapies to children in need.
“Our Foundation is dedicated to supporting local causes, and we believe in the mission of the Children’s Treatment Centre,” said Scott McGeachy of the McGeachy Charitable Foundation in a media release. “This donation is a reflection of Lynn’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of children; she started her career at the centre and helped to both improve and expand programs.”
Mike Genge, Children’s Treatment Foundation president, said the McGeachys were eager to help.
“They’re really excited about doing this,” he said.
Kevin Own, chair of the CTC Foundation board, said the support is appreciated.
“We are incredibly grateful to the McGeachy Charitable Foundation for their momentous donation,” he said. “Their support will help us create an innovative and inclusive space that will positively impact the lives of countless children and their families for years to come.”
The new Children’s Treatment Centre will feature a range of amenities, including a dedicated gym, therapy rooms, and an updated pool that will be accessible to both clients and the wider community.
Increased office space will enhance the working environment for staff and provide improved charting capabilities. The centre will also be compliant with Ontario’s accessibility standards, ensuring that it is fully inclusive and accessible to all.
As for the overall fundraising effort for the new building, Genge said the foundation has raised bout $9.5 million.
“We need another $500,000 to finish the campaign. We’re looking at doing a community campaign next year. We haven’t finalized the date on that and when we’re going to do it,” he said.
There is no planned start date for construction as of yet, but the centre has sent out a tender request for qualifications for contractors, seeing what companies qualify to do the scope of the work needed on the project.
