The Darling Home for Kids
When it comes to The Darling Home for Kids (DHK), GivingTuesday has been extended.
The Global Day of Generosity took place on Tuesday, November 28th. Hundreds of organizations across dozens of countries all took part in the day, raising money for local groups and charities.
For The Darling Home, they announced The Darling & Eagen Family Gift Match. The goal was to inspire generosity and raise awareness for children with medical complexities and their families. The match was offered by the Home’s Guardians, Michele Darling and her family: Michael, Daniel, and Ryan Eagen.
With GivingTuesday now over, the Darling Home has been extended the match until Sunday, December 3rd. All donations received will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $50,000.
“As Guardians of The Darling Home for Kids for more than sixteen years, it fills our hearts with pride and comfort to be part of an organization that extends its warm embrace to numerous families and their children in times of need, providing not only essential care but also more of the moments that matter,” says Michele Darling. “Throughout our years with The Darling Home for Kids, we’ve witnessed the Home’s growth, marked important milestones, and welcomed new faces.
“Together, with your help, we want to continue the legacy of The Darling Home for Kids and ensure we are there for our families when they need us. That is why this Giving Tuesday, my family and I are matching each donation made, dollar-for-dollar, up to $50,000. For those that choose to donate monthly, we are thrilled to match your monthly contributions for the first three months. We invite our community of supporters to donate through The Darling & Eagen Family Gift Match, so that together, we can positively impact the lives of more children and families in Ontario to make a difference.”
Since 2007, Darling and her husband, Michael Eagen, have contributed to the Home’s growth and success. Michele’s leadership in the Phase II Campaign in 2008 doubled the Home’s size. She played a major role in the success of The Embrace Campaign, which raised over $7 million towards the 10,000 square foot expansion, increasing the Home’s ability to help more children and families in need.
The Darling Home for Kids provides the essential medical services these special children rely on for daily living, and a place for them to experience life in a way that is suited to their unique abilities. What they’re able to provide to families and children with complex medical needs to provide rest, connection, joy and most importantly, a full life. The Home relies on donor’s generosity to continue providing essential services that help families with medically complex children.
“Today, I cannot imagine life without our stays at the Darling Home,” says Robin, a DHK mom. “Access to their Respite Program is the only way I can stay afloat and continue in my caregiving duties. I’m incredibly grateful that such a place exists, and I’m in awe of the love, kindness, and capabilities of everyone there. For parents like me, The Darling Home for Kids is a lifeline—a sanctuary where we can trust our children to a dedicated and compassionate team. Their help gives caregivers a chance to breathe, an opportunity to recharge, before we conquer the challenges and unknowns of tomorrow. While I can count on the exceptional medical care my daughter Leanne will receive, I can also take comfort in the many activities she will enjoy during her stay at the Home. It’s opportunities that are simply unavailable to her anywhere else.”
As the only place of its kind in Canada, The Darling Home for Kids is entrusted to care for the most medically complex children. The Home is a beacon of hope to families in need, offering high-quality and personalized care to medically complex children and wrap-around support for the entire family unit. Each year, they provide over 40,000 hours of highly specialized respite, palliative and residential care for families from across the province.
To learn more, and to donate, click here.
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