Milton “Wheels” Ride for The Darling Home for Kids Far Exceeds Its Goal--For a Second Year!

A group of local corporate and private donors, led by Mattamy Homes, the primary sponsor of the fundraiser, donated the required funds through two focal events. A 60-kilometre “Wheels” bike ride was led by Frank Doracin, president, Mattamy Land Development, who is a committed long distance cyclist. Doracin was joined by other Mattamy cyclists and members of the community who, along with the volunteer committee, helped to raise money through corporate and personal pledges. This year a second event entitled “Money for Moustache” encouraged donations from friends and colleagues of Mattamy vice-president Gary Gregoris. Gary would get his trademark moustache shaved off for the first time in over 32 years if the proceeds from “Money for Moustache” reached $32,000.

“We are delighted today to announce that we have not only met our goal of $60,000 thanks to the generous support of Mattamy Homes and a host of other businesses and individuals…we have far exceeded it! In fact, we raised $151,440.50 and there’s still money coming in!” said Pete Pomeroy, the volunteer co-chair of the “Wheels” fundraising committee. “It was really heartwarming to see so many people contribute, in such a short time, to this project that will benefit these wonderful children and their families. I especially want to congratulate Elizabeth Harding who co-chaired this year and led the Money for Moustache project which raised $49,840.50, nearly half of our grand total! Thank you too to Gary Gregoris for giving up his moustache for such a worthy cause! Special thanks too to cyclist Kevin McDonald, president, Novus Canada, whose company donated a surprise $50,000 on the day of the event!”

The therapeutic sculpture garden at The Darling Home for Kids has been fully planned and construction will begin almost immediately. It will feature a wind-mobile sculpture garden, therapeutic shade pavilion, tranquility council ring and wildflower garden, all linked by wheelchair-accessible pathways. Last year, the “Wheels” volunteer committee raised $87,000 to build an elaborate and fully accessible outdoor playground to delight the children.

The Darling Home for Kids, set on a scenic 77-acre property in rural Milton, is a respite/hospice home for children who are medically fragile and/or technology dependent. Many of them also have a life-limiting or life-threatening illness. The Home’s goal is to create unique experiences and a sensory-rich environment for these special children while offering parents a break from the daily stresses of providing care for their children’s complex needs.

“We are all very excited about extending the outdoor experience for our children,” exclaimed Kristin Horrell, Executive Director. “The playground built with last year’s funding has already provided unlimited play experiences for the kids at The Darling Home for Kids and also a place for their brothers and sisters to play together as a family. We know that the therapeutic sculpture garden will also give families a new space for stimulation, relaxation and outdoor enjoyment. We are so thankful to Pete Pomeroy, Mattamy Homes and the many volunteers and donors who have made this wish come true.”

Although The Darling Home for Kids receives government funding to support its operations, it relies on private donations for its therapeutic programs and capital projects. The Darling Home for Kids provides overnight, weekend, weeklong and residential care for up to 12 children as well as offering day programs and community outreach services. It serves primarily families from Milton, Halton and the Greater Toronto and Golden Horseshoe Areas but is only one of two such homes in Ontario.