Frequently Asked Questions about Lansdowne’s new Development and Community Relations department

On June 19, 2025 at the Lansdowne Children’s Centre (LCC) annual general meeting, it was announced that the Lansdowne Children's Centre Foundation would be consolidated with LCC, and a new department within the centre, Development and Community Relations, would be in charge of fundraising efforts – among other responsibilities – going forward.

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions.

Why was this change made?

The boards of both LCC and the Foundation unanimously supported this change, as it would allow for a more cohesive approach and messaging ahead of the launch of the centre’s capital campaign.

While this is a significant change for LCC, the Foundation and the people involved (donors, volunteers, staff, etc.), this is a fairly common structure that many other organizations/ institutions like ours have adopted.

Who will lead the fundraising efforts at LCC now?

There will be many familiar faces in the new Development and Community Relations department, including Campaign and Communications functions. This change is not resulting in any layoffs, reduction of hours, or loss of entitlements for unionized staff.

How does this impact my donations?

Before, donations would come to the Foundation, and then be directed to LCC, the sole recipient organization. Now, donations will be coming to LCC directly.

From the outside, things won’t look too different; the structure of the changes are largely internal.

What will happen to existing Foundation endowment funds?

These funds will be transferred to LCC. Lansdowne is deeply grateful to people like Helen Ross and others, who have entrusted us to carry on their legacy by continually offering high quality and deeply caring programs and services to babies, children and teens with developmental and/or physical differences in the Grand Erie area. 

All existing agreements will be honoured, and the funds used as the donors intended.

Will I still get a tax receipt for my donations?

Yes! Whether you already gave a donation to the Foundation, or you now give one to LCC, you will get a tax receipt for 2025 either way.

What will happen to the Foundation volunteers?

LCC and the Foundation are so grateful to all of the people who have given their time and effort over the years to bring financial support and greater awareness to Lansdowne and the work it does in the community.

There will still be many volunteer opportunities with Lansdowne throughout the year – at events, with fundraisers, etc., and we are hopeful that our amazing community of supporters will continue to rally around us as we work to raise funds to support the babies, kids, teens and their families that we serve.

I still have questions. Who can I go to for answers?

Please reach out to Rita-Marie Hadley (rhadley@lansdownecc.com), Cindy Rock (Crock@lansdownecc.com) or Sara Consoli (SConsoli@lansdownecc.com)