For more than 46 years, a children’s charity has been working to make a tangible difference in the lives of children and families around the province. Six-month-old Maeva Cote and Dawson Masters, 10, are two Powell River children who have been helped by money raised at Variety - The Children’s Charity annual Show of Hearts Telethon.
Born premature last July, Maeva was flown down to Vancouver after doctors at Powell River General Hospital became concerned about her blood sugar levels. She stayed for a month in BC Children’s Hospital and then was transferred to Lion’s Gate Hospital where she stayed for another week. Her mother Kathren McIlravey and father Bob Cote were able to stay with her the whole time.
During her four weeks of care at children’s hospital, the BC Family Residence Program paid for Maeva’s parents’ accommodation, but when she was transferred to Lion’s Gate that’s when Variety stepped in to help.
“Every penny was appreciated,” said McIlravey. “Variety Club is amazing. I never needed it before, but it was definitely needed.”
In addition to paying for hotels for McIlravey and Cote, the organization also paid for their ferry fares during the time because they have two more children in Powell River and needed to travel back and forth.
In addition to supporting families who have to travel due to illness, Variety also helps subsidize the purchase of medical equipment. Ever since he was small, Dawson’s cerebral palsy has meant almost annual surgeries, botox treatments on his left ankle and expensive braces to not only help him walk but also help his leg muscles develop.
The L-shaped leg brace Dawson wears is like a very expensive pair of shoes.
“It goes underneath his foot, around his ankle up to just below his knee,” said Jodie Robson, Dawson’s mom. “It’s got straps that he wears at night that pull his calf muscle a certain way.”
It costs nearly $1,300 and is specially fitted for him. As Dawson grows, his brace needs to be replaced. His last brace was outgrown within four months.
Robson has to only pay a small amount of the total cost. “It’s usually just $132,” she said, “so it’s not too much. It’s better than having to pay $1,300.” Approval for funding is as simple as sending Variety a request with a picture of Dawson wearing his brace and the bill.
Dawson and his mother went back to children’s hospital after Christmas for his new brace.
Variety fundraises for capital projects for hospitals and development centres, supporting essential services such as medical treatments, subsidizing the purchase of wheelchairs, Sunshine coaches, specialized equipment and tools for independent living.
Variety’s Show of Hearts Telethon is being broadcasted Saturday and Sunday, February 16 and 17 on GlobalBC and will include a live performance from singer-songwriter Chantal Kreviazuk, and pre-recorded concerts from Adele, VH1 Divas, Rihanna, Paul McCartney, Justin Beiber, Elton John and Michael Bublé.
Last year’s telethon raised over $6 million. The telethon will start at 6 pm on Saturday and run until 6 pm Sunday. Readers can call toll-free 310.5437 (KIDS) or visit Variety’s website to donate.
