Today, on International Day of Persons with Disabilities, March of Dimes Canada (MODC) is proud to announce we have received a $1 million gift to support children, youth, and young adults with disabilities across Canada.   

This gift is part of a landmark $30 million donation made by The Slaight Family Foundation to 11 disability-related organizations in Canada.

Led by Holland-Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital in partnership with The Rick Hansen Foundation, this generous gift will allow us to build, connect, and share programs and services in a powerful, multi-pronged drive to dismantle barriers to inclusion and change the disability landscape in Canada.

“It’s truly humbling to receive a gift of this magnitude and we’re grateful for the generosity and support of The Slaight Family Foundation,” said Len Baker, MODC President and CEO.

“This gift is a major advancement in the effort to eliminate barriers for people with disabilities and will lead to greater cooperation and better outcomes for our communities for many years to come.”

The gift will enable MODC to enhance and expand access to Holland-Bloorview’s evidence-based programming, such as ArtsXpress, Drum Circle, HB Rocks, and First Robotics, to young people in communities across Canada. The gift will also contribute to improving the creative, social, and technological skills of children and youth with disabilities, while enhancing their overall well-being.

“The impact of disability exclusion is significant, not just on people with disabilities and their families, but on our culture and economy as well,” said Gary Slaight, President and CEO of The Slaight Family Foundation.

“Connecting and expanding programs and innovations from organizations dedicated to disability care and awareness will create an umbrella of support across Canada, while dismantling stigma and creating a more inclusive society for us all.”

MODC is thrilled to be included in this exceptional gift and is grateful for the support from The Slaight Family Foundation in recognition of our proven ability to deliver cutting-edge programs and services, our leadership within Canada’s disability community, and our unwavering commitment to strong allyship.

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For media inquiries: 

Brian Hill (he/him)  

Communications Manager, Marketing & Communications 

bhill@marchofdimes.ca 

873-355-9289