Freedom 55 Supports Chatham-Kent’s First Accessible Therapy Playground

The Children’s Treatment Centre Foundation of Chatham-Kent is $10,000 closer to building Chatham-Kent’s first accessible therapy playground, thanks to a donation on behalf of Freedom 55 Financial, the financial security planning division of London Life.

The contribution, made possible through the national corporate citizenship program of Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life, will support the Foundation’s “Child’s Play” campaign, helping to create a special therapeutic experience for children with developmental challenges.

“An investment in this project is an investment in well-being, inclusivity and accessibility for children with unique needs,” says John Hundt, Director, Business Development, Freedom 55 Financial. “Living and working in Chatham, we are honoured to champion the Children’s Treatment Centre Foundation’s vision for this special playground — the first of its kind in the region.”

“We are so tremendously appreciative of the support from Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life for our Centre and for our playground campaign,” says Art Stirling, Executive Director of the Foundation. “Local representatives from Freedom 55 Financial came to us and asked how they could help. You can’t get better community commitment and generosity from a leading financial services provider than that. Our children will benefit big time.”

Each piece of the playground was specifically chosen by the Centre’s team of therapists to maximize the therapeutic value of the space, while providing an area for children with disabilities and their families to engage in play activities. Launched in the fall of 2011 with a fundraising goal of $125,000, the “Child’s Play” campaign has received numerous corporate and individual donations, including a $50,000 grant from the Municipality of Chatham-Kent’s Parks and Recreation Infrastructure Program. “We are approaching our goal and hope to be in a position to announce an installation date soon,” says Stirling.

The Children’s Treatment Centre of Chatham-Kent focuses on the needs of children and youth from birth through to age 18 with physical, developmental or communication needs. The Centre has served the community for almost 65 years. The Children’s Treatment Centre Foundation of Chatham-Kent was formed in 2007 with the goal of raising funds and awareness for the Centre.