Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital

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Philanthropy - 2011 Circle of Honour Awards

Vito and Sandra Bigioni

Bigioni's accept their award as a familyVito and Sandra Bigioni know firsthand the value of Holland Bloorview respite care programs.

The Bigioni Family have been bringing their daughter, Emily who was born with a brain condition known as pachygyria, similar to cerebral palsy, to Holland Bloorview since she was three years old.

In 2007, Vito and Sandra learned that their daughter’s favourite camp, Holland Bloorview's SmartCentres March Break Creative Arts Respite Camp for children with complex disabilities, was in jeopardy.  Without any knowledge or experience in fundraising, the Bigioni Family committed to raise $1 million to secure funding for respite care programs at Holland Bloorview.  

With determination and persistence, and the help of over 500 donors including community and corporate partners, friends and family, the Bigioni Family reached their goal in March of 2011.

“As a parent raising a child with special needs, I know how challenging it can be,” said Donna Cappelli. “When it came time for somebody to step in and help; it was them that did it. That’s amazing.”

Respite programs give families the opportunity for a much needed break while knowing that their child is in a fun, safe and trustworthy environment. The programs not only offer high quality medical care for children with disabilities, but they also provide children with the opportunity to socialize outside the family, play and interact with other kids and allow them to participate in activities that promote self-expression.    

Over the last four years, the Bigioins held numerous fundraising events. They were strategic in their fundraising- they wrote letters, hosted receptions, sold handmade scarves and garnered incredible support from the community. They even hosted a Gordon Lightfoot concert.

circle of honour logoTheir efforts have raised awareness of the importance of respite care programs, and the value these programs bring to the children and families. Despite reaching their goal, the Bigionis are continuing to fundraise to ensure there will always be funding for the respite care programs at Holland Bloorview – allowing thousands of children to participate for years to come.

2011 Award Winners