Wally Clayson’s first grandchild had a rough start in life. A difficult birth was followed by a diagnosis of cerebral palsy at 18 months. In spite of her physical challenges, Jennifer was determined to thrive. Luckily, she also had her family — and Holland Bloorview.
At the time of Jennifer’s diagnosis, Wally was the owner of Wally Clayson’s Service Centre in the neighbourhood. One of his customers told him about Holland Bloorview. As Wally tells it, “The specialists at Holland Bloorview were the first ones to say something could be done for Jennifer. They were quite upbeat about her cerebral palsy and what she would be able to achieve.”
Jennifer received care at Holland Bloorview until she turned 18. In the meantime, her grandfather felt the desire to give back to an organization that ‘‘was doing so much for Jennifer.” He started by donating the proceeds from the tire air machine at his garage. Not satisfied with this, he organized a golf tournament through the Automotive Aftermarket Retailers of Ontario (AARO), where he was President. The first tournament raised $200. Seventeen years later, the annual AARO Golf Tournament for Holland Bloorview has raised over $270,000 towards much-needed programs and services for children like Jennifer.
Like her grandfather, Jennifer demonstrates boundless determination and a generous spirit. No one was prouder than Wally when Jennifer graduated with Honours from Carleton University in 2005. Today, Jennifer, 27, owns her own townhouse and works as a Probation Officer for the Ministry of Children and Youth Services. “She’s come a long way,” Wally says, “and now she wants to help other kids.”
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Image above: Bill Burkimsher, Luanne Fedisoff, Sue Burkimsher, Bonnie Black and Wally Clayson.