- (647) 370-4113
- hello@gncanada.ca
This past spring, Good Neighbours Canada (GNCA) partnered with Parents Association Living Toward Hope (PATH) to organize a series of meaningful day trips for families raising children with developmental disabilities.
PATH supports local Korean immigrants who have children and family members who have developmental disabilities. Due to being newcomers and language barriers, these families have limited access to support services, which results in family members needing to provide round-the-clock assistance. Caregivers will then experience burnout, social isolation, and emotional exhaustion.
Thanks to funding from the Rexall Care Network, our program gives caregivers a long-awaited moment of rest while we bring the children to educational full-day activities. Each activity was chosen with the unique needs and safety of the children in mind.
The program kicks off with a day trip to Ripley’s Aquarium of Toronto on March 26. A total of 20 children were accompanied by volunteers and staff from GNCA and PATH. Through this activity, the children were able to immerse themselves in a journey through marine life, learning about the wonders of the aquatic world.
"We usually can't even imagine going out as a family, but thanks to this support, we were able to enjoy this outing. It was a true moment of rest."
For the first activity, there were a few parents joining a trip to help familiarize themselves with the staff and volunteers. They expressed that this was the first time in a long time that they were able to enjoy a family outing. All the participants had enjoyed the trip, and parents present noted that it was a fun experience. They were hopeful of the success of future trips.
The second activity was held on April 26 at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM). For this trip, extra volunteers were recruited to accompany the participants. They were able to freely explore the various exhibits and bask in the calming atmosphere of the museum. The spacious location gave the volunteers the chance to fully engage with the children.
“When I first heard the term 'developmental disabilities’, I had the stereotype that they were very different from other children. However, through this volunteer experience, I realized that they are just like any other children, not much different from other kids or adults.”
More than just providing an educational trip to PATH participants, this program was an excellent opportunity for the volunteers to learn more about people with developmental disabilities. Prior to this trip, the volunteers mentioned that they had preconceived assumptions on people with additional needs. However, they shared that this trip had changed their perception of people with additional needs.
"I thought that I had tobe extra careful with friends with disabilities, and I almost approached them with a passive attitude. But I realized that they are no different from others."
The day trip to the museum was an excellent way for volunteers and participants with and without disabilities to mingle together and share the values of inclusion and respect. GNCA is grateful that this program can also become an avenue to raise awareness to those with developmental disabilities. We are incredibly grateful for the patience and understanding of the volunteers of this event.
To conclude our support program, we went to Julia’s Music Therapy Centre on June 21. There were a total of 60 PATH children, siblings, parents, and caregivers. Along with the GNCA volunteers, the centre also had trained special staff board-licensed music therapists to assist to host our activities.
Participants attended an outdoor music therapy session using various instruments to create a relaxing experience. Music therapy is an evidence-based practice of using music to support development, health, and well-being. It can be adapted for people of all ages and abilities. The activities were a great way to stimulate their senses and provide a fun interactive experience with instruments.
"It was a pleasure to host the Good Neighbours Canada organization and the PATH families at our Summer Sensations program. They eagerly participated in the music, sensory garden, and animal activities. Having opportunities for families to spend time together in a supportive community event is extremely beneficial and valuable for all involved!"
Julia playing the guitar as part of the music therapy session
The activities also included a visit to the centre’s herb garden and animal farm. Participants learned about the different scents and benefits of various herbs. Afterwards, they got the chance to blend their own teas. The farm visit involved engaging with small animals such as rabbits, goats, and ducklings. Meaningful moments of connections were made when families were able to hold and feed the animals, with the assistance of the staff.
"It’s such a shame this was the last trip. I hope more members will have the opportunity to experience something like this in the future. For families like ours, these outings become treasured memories. I am deeply grateful to the volunteer team and to Good Neighbours Canada for making it all happen."
We are sincerely grateful to the Rexall Care Foundation for giving us the opportunity to host another year of supporting marginalized families with additional needs. Special thanks also to all the volunteers, partners, and staff at Ripley’s Aquarium, ROM, and Julia’s Music Therapy. Your generous support and care ensured that each trip was well-organized, safe, and welcoming to all participants.
Your support ensured that both children and parents experienced a day of healing, connection, and hope.
We look forward to continuing this journey with PATH families and remain a trusted partner who helps carry the weight of caregiving, one day at a time.
GNCA is committed to bridging the gap between local marginalized communities and raising awareness to the unique needs of people with developmental disabilities. Through ethical and safe practices, we provide programs that support the mental health and well-being of both the child and their caretakers.
Are you a company or organization interested in supporting families of children with developmental disabilities? We’d love to connect with you.
Explore how you can make a difference by visiting our Local impact page or emailing us at hello@gncanada.ca to get in touch with someone from our team.
This program was made possible with the support from Rexall Care Network.
