The EPCOR Community Essentials Council presents a $20,000 cheque to Kids Kottage at their annual Radiothon fundraiser.

 

 

A grant from the EPCOR Community Essentials Council will provide healthy meals and snacks for the children during their stay at the Kids Kottage. 

 

Jack arrived at Kids Kottage on a cold and snowy Sunday night in January. It was the first time the three-year-old boy had been away from home. Within a few hours, Jack had picked out a new teddy bear, had eaten a healthy snack and was tucked safely into bed after story time.

Kids Kottage offers a safe place for children to stay when their parents are facing crisis situations. The children are kept safe at the Kottage while their parents, relieved of parenting responsibilities for a short time, identify and implement plans to solve or mitigate the crisis situation.

“Parents are accessing our services for a number of reasons,” explains Lori Reiter, Executive Director of Kids Kottage. “The crisis can vary from parents who are facing homelessness and need to focus on finding a new home to a parent struggling with a physical or mental illness and needing emergency help to care for their child.”

A $20,000 grant from the EPCOR Community Essentials Council will provide healthy meals and snacks for the children during their stay at the Kids Kottage.

“The Kottage is a home away from home during a time of crisis. And like most houses, the kitchen is the heart of the home,” says Lori. “The homemade food we provide to the kids in our care is a source of comfort to those kids who may be dealing with fears and anxieties of their own.”

The care that the Kottage staff and volunteers provide goes beyond providing food and shelter.  Families are also given follow-up counselling and referrals to other services in the community. 

“These parents love their children and want the best for them—just like any other parent does,” explains Lori. “And like any other parent, they sometimes need help get through the tough times. Asking for help is a sign of strength, and Kids Kottage is proud to be that support system for parents in need.”