Earle O’Born, owner of The Printing House Limited (TPH), and his wife Janice believe in giving clients more than excellent service. That is why their Canadian company has established programs to assist their employees in giving back to the communities where they work.
Janice O’Born founded the company’s charitable office in 1983 with a vision to promote philanthropy to TPH staff. Janice sees Holland Bloorview as a natural fit for TPH. Also a member of the board of SickKids Foundation, she is aware of the crucial part Holland Bloorview plays in long-term care for children with chronic illnesses and disabilities. She describes the care provided by Holland Bloorview as the ‘arms around a child.’
Through in-kind donations, the sale of greeting cards and a payroll participation program, The Printing House has contributed many thousands of dollars towards Communication and Writing Aids for children and youth at Holland Bloorview.
The Printing House’s generosity supports young people like Adam (above). Adam has a rare disease that destroys his muscles: he can’t breathe without a ventilator; he is unable to speak and can’t move. Adam uses specially adapted equipment to communicate. Thanks to “Mighty Mo”, a ‘voice machine’ developed at Holland Bloorview, Adam was able to make his voice heard for the first time — when he was 16.
With the support of donors like The Printing House, young people like Adam can overcome their physical limitations and lead richer, fuller lives.
As Kim Macfarlane, a Holland Bloorview Therapeutic Recreation specialist, says, “Adam loves visiting with people and having one-on-one interaction, and the talking machine gives him the power to initiate conversation and express his personality.”
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Image above: Adam is communicating with help from his “Mighty Mo” device.
Janice O’Born, owner of The Printing House, and Valerie McMurtry, President and CEO, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation.