I've set up this fundraiser for a dear friend and her family. Sometimes we all need a helping hand, and right now my friend Marchia and her son "G" need help from their communities.

Marchia is an amazing single mother caring for her son G who lives with disabilities associated with CP and the impacts of a serious brain injury that occurred during epilepsy treatment 3 years ago. Respite care costs $30 an hour and Marchia's source of income is ODSP which can't possibly cover the cost of this desperately needed support. Respite care is needed both for Marchia's own health and wellbeing and to support G's intensive physical and mental health needs. The wait times for publicly funded respite care are long. Marchia has explored numerous avenues for publicly funded intensive supports and has not been successful at securing any respite care despite multiple attempts at advocacy. The restrictions of covid times have only added to Marchia's isolation and reduced her access to community supports.

I'd be so thankful for any support you could offer to this wonderful family. They've been through more than enough and the system is currently failing them. G is an amazing and resilient 12 year old boy with a great sense of humor and lots of joy to share with the world. Marchia has been a close friend and "Auntie" to my children since before their birth. I consider her and her kids to be part of my family. Though I live far away, I'd like to do something practical to support their needs.

Any money raised will be used to pay for private respite services while Marchia & G are on wait lists for funding. If you aren't in a position to donate financially, please consider sharing widely.

Thank you so much for supporting this family.