Jaida's Challenge Van Conversions

Jaida's Challenge Wheelchair Van Conversion Fund for Kids

Jaida's Challenge, a memorial charitable fund, has been helping children with special needs in South Simcoe since the passing of 7 year old Jaida Maeve Cumberland on April 29th, 2011.

Jaida herself was in a power wheelchair for the last few years of her life.  Our community raised funds for Jaida's wheelchair van conversion because our family did not qualify for any income-based funding.  The wheelchair  van opened up the world to Jaida.  We watched her blossom into a social butterfly with her new found freedom and independence.  It was truly amazing.

Front line workers in our South Simcoe catchment area have identified at least nine children whose families are facing the daunting task of purchasing a van and converting it to make it wheelchair accessible.  Once a family has bought their van they are still facing a $20,000 plus conversion cost!! Jaida's Challenge is striving to raise the funds needed to help pay for these conversions.

Unlike the other charities that families can apply to for funding, Jaida's Challenge is not income based.  This is an important hallmark because it means that middle income families will not be left out in the cold!

Allow us to introduce Devon, Emily and Zosia...



It is the goal of Jaida's Challenge to give families of all income levels the help that they need to get their kids out into the community. The funds that you donate will help give these exceptional children the benefit of safety, comfort, confidence and independence.

With your help we can give these deserving kids the gift of community.




Zosia, a spirited eight year old girl is one of the children in our community that is in need of a wheelchair van conversion. 


Visit www.jaidaschallenge.ca for more information about our small but mighty charity!!

Please share our campaign
with your friends and family.  We are so grateful for any donation that you choose to make.  Every dollar counts!!

Converted Wheelchair Van Changes Lives

A little boy whose name is Arran recently got a wheelchair van after months of being stranded in car seats and a manual wheelchair whenever he was away from home. His mom Andrea shared her thoughts with us about the incredible impact it has had on their lives. She wrote in part, "Words simply cannot express how having a converted van for Arran has changed our lives. We are no longer isolated and can go wherever we want together. Arran is no longer stuck in a car seat that he found terribly uncomfortable, especially when travelling long distances. He is thrilled that he can drive right into the van in his power wheelchair and then enjoy his independence at our destination. The ease with which I can take him to medical appointments, to see friends and family or to even just go out to do the simple things in life, like grocery shopping, is wonderful."



Rewards:
Jaida's Challenge Bracelet - $100

Gerbs in the House: Jaida's Here - $250

Laura Berry Print
$500 (unnumbered)
$1000 (numbered)
Heaven and Earth by Laura Berry