SmartCentres supports kids with disabilities by donating to The Emily Bigioni Respite Endowment Fund in support of the Creative Arts March Break Respite Camps at Bloorview Kids Rehab.
Bloorview offers a number of creative arts camps for children with disabilities and special needs. These camps are important not only because of the enjoyment they provide for children but because they have a positive impact on the child’s overall health. These camps ensure that children with disabilities increase their physical activity, interact with their peers and learn about themselves. They also provide much needed respite for their caregivers.
Over the last 15 years, SmartCentres through its “We’re For Kids” program has supported hundreds of charities in communities in which it has centres. Larger organizations as well as smaller organizations have received millions of dollars of philanthropic support from SmartCentres.
When Vito Bigioni approached SmartCentres for a donation they were so inspired by this father’s passion and commitment they donated $100,000 to Bloorview Kids Rehab.
Vito is trying to raise $1 million for Bloorview’s respite care programs. He is the father of Emily, a 13-year-old who was born with pachygyria, a congenital brain condition. The Bigioni family have been coming to Bloorview for 12 years and use Bloorview’s respite care programs. They know first hand, the importance of respite care program for families raising a child with special needs.
When Vito heard that Bloorview’s March Break Respite Camp was going to be cancelled due to lack of funding he decided to start fundraising to ensure the respite programs are funded in perpetuity.
Bloorview’s respite services give families a short-term rest and relief from the physical and emotional demands of caring for a child with a physical and/or developmental disability.
“These camps provide the families with a well deserved break with the knowledge that their child is receiving outstanding care in a safe and stimulating environment. We feel very privileged to partner with Bloorview in such an important program,” said Mauro Pambianchi, spokesperson, Chief Development Officer for SmartCentres.
Bloorview is grateful to have corporate partners, like SmartCentres, who enable children with disabilities to have access to programs they need to thrive.
