(File photo) From left: Peter Kobayashi (Associate Vice President, Member Experience, G&F Financial Group), Gerard Bremault (CEO, The Centre for Child Development), parent advocate, Amanda Toynbee, Jeff Shewfelt (Co-CEO, G&F Financial Group)
Surrey, BC – G&F Financial Group have committed $3,000 to help cover damages to the playground and property at The Centre for Child Development, adding to the Surrey Fire Fighters Charitable Society’s recent gift of $4,000.
Over the past few months, vandals have struck several times at The Centre for Child Development, damaging playground equipment, fencing, doors, electrical wiring and vehicles.
“We are saddened by the damage, as the playground is a critical assessment tool for children with special needs” said Gerard Bremault, CEO of The Centre for Child Development and Sophie’s Place Child and Youth Advocacy Centre. “With COVID-19, we have additional operating costs to keep our children, families, and staff safe, so replacing damaged equipment is an extra challenge. We’re so grateful to the continued support of our friends at G&F Financial Group, and thank them for their generous donation of $3,000 towards the repair and replacement of the damaged items.”
“Supporting community organizations is very important to G&F Financial Group, and we have been very happy to partner with The Centre for Child Development through various fundraising campaigns,” said Jeff Shewfelt and Bill Kiss, Co-CEOs of G&F Financial Group. “The therapies provided through The Centre and Sophie’s Place have an incredible impact on the lives of vulnerable kids. When we heard that the inclusive playground equipment used by children with special needs was damaged, we were eager to help however we could.”
Since 1953, The Centre for Child Development has been providing comprehensive medical rehabilitative programs and services to children with special needs, serving over 3,000 kids last year. In 2012 The Centre for Child Development expanded its services to include Sophie’s Place. Sophie’s Place is a child and youth advocacy centre where children who have been abused physically and/or sexually can receive supportive services in a child-friendly environment from a specialized multi-disciplinary team.
Donations can be made through our online donation page or for further information, please contact Judith Reaugh at 604-587-4274.
Surrey RCMP FaceBook post seeking information
Interview on CKNW’s Lynda Steele Show Podcast
For additional information:
Judith Reaugh
Vice President, Communications and Governance
The Centre for Child Development
P: 604-587-4274
E: judithr@the-centre.org