You cannot imagine just how much the tearing down of the
old playground equipment affected the children in our care. We might have
anticipated their reaction because the children who are in residential
treatment have suffered loss, profound disappointment, abuse and trauma which
have led to difficulties in trusting adults. It is hard for them to understand
that our actions were taken in the interests of their safety. To them changes
in regulations and standards are meaningless. They protest: "I've never fallen
from that climber!"; "My clothes haven't got caught in the swings!"
We have told our children that we are creating something
new and we have asked them to tell us what they would like. They have given us
some wonderful ideas for types of swings, climbers and basketball hoops at
different heights and so on. We would like to tell them that there are many
people in our community who care about them and who are listening to their
wishes.
We are hoping to raise $225,000 to create not just a
playground but an "Outdoor Therapeutic Environment" which will not only allow
them to have fun but will speed their progress. We are asking you to
participate in helping these children achieve happier and healthier lives. If
you wish to make a donation to this project,
please
access our donation form. Your gift of support will be recognized on a
plaque and each donor will be invited to a grand opening. We hope this is
sooner than later and we would like to get started as soon as possible.
Thank you on behalf of the children of Vanier.
Sincerely,
Barrie
Evans, Ph.D., C.Psych.
Executive Director
