The Children's Treatment Centre Foundation of Chatham-Kent is looking for new ways to get money which will be put toward a $28 million building.
To alleviate some of the financial stress, the foundation has launched its Mother's Day Appeal in support of its Butterfly Building Campaign. The campaign was created once the children's centre felt it had outgrown the current space on Lark Street in Chatham. A new 50,000-square-foot space on McNaughton Avenue will accommodate close to 5,600 kids said Mike Genge, the foundation's executive director.
The current building was built in the 1980s and has since seen an increasing number of children who use it.
Genge attributed the growth of the facility to people becoming more aware of their children's needs.
"When this facility was built, let's say it was '84, we had 260 kids... In 2019 we have over 4,000 kids," said Genge. "They may only be here for a few months but they are given something that enables them to move forward in life."
So far, the foundation has raised $5.4 million toward the new facility, while the government has promised to invest $22 million. Money toward the new building will help provide more therapy space to accommodate the growing number of occupants – there are 1,600 children currently on a waiting list, customized therapy areas for teens and young adults, and upgrades to accessibility.
"We don't really have a financial goal that we're trying to get to, we would like to see as many donations as possible," said Genge. "We wanted to start a campaign that was ours to say 'you know what, let's do something for our moms to help our kids.'"
The Mother’s Day Appeal began on Monday and will be receiving donations until May 13. When it's over there will be a celebratory get together for those who have donated, said Genge. The party will be held on May 18.
For more information and to donate to the butterfly building campaign, visit www.ctc-ck.com