Magic of Giving Holiday Market raises over $9K for Lansdowne

Lansdowne Children’s Centre is once again offering HUGE thanks to Julie Neal, who founded the Magic of Giving Holiday Market in 2024, and recently hosted this year’s iteration of the event.

The funds from the market go towards supporting various programs and services offered through Lansdowne, including the Equipment Loan Program.

Sometimes, exploring a child’s potential reveals that they could go even further with the support of specialized equipment, like walkers, adaptive seating, or communication devices. Yet for many families, access to these items can be delayed due to long wait times, funding gaps, or the challenge of finding the right fit.

At Lansdowne, the Equipment Loan Program helps bridge the gap by offering temporary access to customized devices that support children in moving safely, expressing themselves, and participating more fully in daily life. It’s a lifeline for families awaiting permanent solutions.

Tamie Aubin, Director of Client Services, explained, “Our goal is to make sure no family goes without the equipment they need to keep their child safe and active.”

Unfortunately, she added, “We’re struggling to meet demand without more funding support for equipment and other needs.”

Tenley, Julie’s daughter, has been able to access equipment through the program over the years, and it’s been a huge help.

“Any time we needed anything, they would help us with equipment,” Julie said. “They helped us a ton.”

She’s now paying that support forward by spearheading the Magic of Giving Holiday Market, which raised $9,120 for Lansdowne in 2025.

“It feels good to be able to help other families, when they maybe can’t afford a piece of equipment or are waiting,” Julie said.

If you’d like to support Lansdowne in the work it does, or learn more about the programs and services it offers, visit www.lansdownecentre.ca/myjourney.