The Comox Valley Child Development Association is celebrating their 48th telethon, which saw a record for donations from community members.
After wrapping up on Sunday, the association had raised a total $150,342. It’s a milestone and executive director Cindy Xavier says it is amazing to see it happen especially during a difficult time.
“We like to say that we gratefully accept whatever our community is able to give to us in supporting the work that we do for children and families,” said Xavier. “It’s pretty exciting to see that number.”
The telethon has multiple performances and people with all ages come together to fundraise for the association. Xavier says they had humble beginnings in Cumberland to provide intervention therapies for children in the area, but the association has grown and relocated in Courtenay.
She adds that most of fundraising will be going towards a rebuild of their early intervention therapy building. It is over 100 years old and while they manage to keep it together, it is time to get a rebuild, according to Xavier.
The association now has 18 programs and getting to over 100 staff members to allow the operation to work. Xavier adds their services have become even more amplified as the costs of living rise.
“Our families experience a number of different pressures along with the increased costs of living,” said Xavier.
“But when you have a child that is having some developmental delays or challenges, or you might be wondering about whether you need a diagnosis you want to feel assured that you have got a place to go to.”
The outpouring of support from the community is difficult for her to describe.
“There are no words, honestly,” said Xavier. “To be able to express what it feels like to be on the receiving end of such genuine generosity, having families coming down with their kids to take part, it was so great to see.”
She adds that they are coming out with gratitude and an ongoing elated feeling following the fundraiser.
