Emily shows everyone that a positive attitude makes a big difference.
As a baby, she had spent some time in ICU and being a child with Down syndrome has meant she needs extra attention throughout her childhood development. Thanks to Variety - The Children’s Charity and resources available in Richmond, Emily has become a powerhouse martial arts student and her self-esteem flourishes with every milestone.
Funding support from Variety helped Emily to access a specialized developmental program. Taekwondo lessons at Richmond’s Sirota’s Alchemy, one of the very few martial arts organizations that offer classes for children who have special needs, are therapeutic in nature. Being involved in activities gives Emily the opportunities to continually stimulate her mental and physical development whether it’s improving her balance or counting skills.
Emily works one-on-one with her instructor and her mom Gina, is amazed at her progress. “Her instructor is extremely patient with her – but pushes her a little bit each time. He managed to help her to do things that she never thought she could do.”
Over the last year, Emily can now read some of the basic words in her favourite stories and is able to do simple addition. Her self-confidence has blossomed to the point where she feels comfortable speaking with new people she meets, helping her to become more engaged with her community.
“Variety sees the children we help as the real champions and they are achieving little victories every day,” says Bernice Scholten, executive director of Variety - The Children’s Charity, “Our funding support represents the collective support of many donors and corporate partners too so we’re all celebrating Emily together as a team.”
For close to 50 years, Variety – The Children’s Charity has provided life-saving, life-changing and life-enriching support for families with children who have special needs in Richmond and across British Columbia. To learn more about the grant application or how to support Variety, visit www.variety.bc.ca.
Upcoming Event:Variety’s Golden Heart Gala takes place Wednesday, October 29, 2014 @ Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. Learn more at www.variety.bc.ca
