Treatment centre running 11 events in 14 days
In a whirlwind effort to cross the fundraising finish line, the Foundation of the Children’s Treatment Centre of Chatham-Kent has organized 11 events in 14 days in hopes of raising $500,000.
Build for the Kids launches Oct. 7 and lands Oct. 20, featuring events across the municipality in the quest to finish off the $10-million Butterfly Build campaign for the new treatment centre.
Construction has begun on the McNaughton Avenue West facility, but more funds are needed to ensure everything is in place when the doors open late in 2025.
Kevin Owen, head of the foundation’s board, said reaching this point is “absolutely incredible.
“I can’t believe we’re breaking ground and we’re moving forward,” he said, adding he’s looking forward to October. “We have two weeks of events. I think the math adds up to good things.”
Owen said raising the $9.5 million to this point was impressive in its own right, but added, “Now it’s time to reach the finish line.”
Mike Genge, foundation president and CEO, said the 11 events feature a great deal of diversity. They include a $200-a-plate White Glove Dinner, but also feature low-cost options such as Karaoke for the Kids at Sons of Kent, a Halloween costume party at Red Barn Brewing and horror movie trivia night at Level Up Arcade, and even by-donation fun at the treatment centre itself for the organization’s Family Fall Festival.
He believes the diversity of events will offer something for everyone.
“We’re going to make it really crazy over two weeks in October. We’re trying to do some events that are $25 or $25 so you don’t have to go crazy and go to a high-end event. But we have a couple of high-end events as well,” Genge said. “There is lots of variety of events and there is lots of variety of places. We’re trying to spread it out through the community.”
In addition to attending events, the community can show its support by purchasing a campaign T-shirt for $25, with an order form available online and pickup at the Foundation office.
Local schools and businesses are also getting involved. Genge said the campaign will have butterflies on paper for purchase that every student can put their name on and have posted in their schools. The junior grades will have ones they can colour, while high-school students – and workplaces too – will be able to purchase completed images. Price is $2. The sales period will begin in late September.
Genge acknowledges raising $500,000 in 14 days is a tall task, but added Chatham-Kent pulls together for important projects.
“It’s a big number, but we have a community that gives; and they give huge,” he said. “We are a very generous community. That’s what I love about being here.”
Genge said the community also supports the Children’s Treatment Centre because so many families in Chatham-Kent utilize it.
“One in five kids in this community go to the Children’s Treatment Centre. It touches almost every family in some way,” he said. “For us, it’s about the kids.”
Genge said the $10 million in community-raised funds will put equipment into the new facility, while the government’s $59-million contribution pays to erect the building.
“Equipment for kids with disabilities is double or triple the price of what normal equipment is,” he said. “We need that money to buy the equipment when we need it.”
For more information on Build for the Kids and how to get involved, visit buildforthekids.ca.
Build for the Kids events
Oct. 7, 9 a.m. – Event launch at Chatham Chrysler. Free
Oct. 8, 2 p.m.-4:30 p.m. – British High Tea at Tim Hortons on Grand Avenue. $125 ($75 tax receipt)
Oct. 8, 4 p.m.-6 p.m. – Family Fall Festival at the Children’s Treatment Centre. Donation
Oct. 9, 7 p.m.-10 p.m. – Autum Arts and Aisles at Glasshouse Nursery. $75
Oct. 10, 7 p.m.-10 p.m. – Karaoke for the Kids at Sons of Kent. “$25
Oct. 11, 7 p.m.-10 p.m. – Prohibition Party at Glasstown Brewing. $120 ($60 tax receipt)
Oct. 15, 6 p.m.-9 p.m. – Bayside Bingo Night at Bayside Brewing. $40
Oct. 16, 7 p.m.-9 p.m. – Trivia Night at Level Up Arcade. $20
Oct. 16, 6 p.m.-9:30 p.m. – McDonald’s White Glove Dinner at McDonald’s on St. Clair Street. $200 ($180 tax receipt)
Oct. 18, 6 p.m.-10 p.m. – Halloween Bash at the Barn at Red Barn Brewing. $30
Oct. 20, 1 p.m.-4 p.m. – Movie Wrap-Up Party at site to be determined. Free.
