East-end group paying it forward

The One Boy, One Van Foundation – established by Beacon Hill North's Amanda George – will provide financial aid to families requiring an accessible vehicle for a child with severe mobility impairments.

Inspiration for creating the non-profit organization came after George worked tirelessly from the fall of 2006 until late December last year to raise almost $60,000 for a specially-modified van for her 14-year-old-son, Geordi Henry.

Geordi was diagnosed from birth with a number of different illnesses, including severe cerebral palsy, scoliosis, microcephaly – an abnormally small skull – and a seizure disorder. Because of muscle tightness and dislocated hips, Geordi, who is just over three feet tall, is unable to sit upright, and must rely on others to help him turn, roll, lift and carry him.

A vehicle with rear-entry access is a necessity for Geordi to accommodate his wheelchair, which is five feet long and must always remain reclined. At full cost, including alterations, the van would typically come with a price tag of $65,000, though reductions offered by Ottawa Honda amounted to a final cost of $58,000.

Funds raised came from a range of areas, including a local garage sale, support from Geordi's school – Thomas D'Arcy McGee Catholic School – financial aid from organizations and last November's "Giggle Gala", an evening of family-oriented comedic entertainment.

The idea to make One Boy, One Van a non-profit "was always a thought in the back of my head; that I would like to help other families," George recounts, adding that through her own fundraising journey she discovered the immense need for wheelchair-accessible vehicles.

After meeting with some of the individuals who helped during her initial fundraising campaign, George created a small board of directors and became incorporated in June. The group is currently working on achieving charitable status, she continues, an often-lengthy process.

One Boy, One Van will aim to help five families within their first year of operations, George explains. And though they haven't yet determined how much will be given to each, the amount will depend on the success of their fundraising efforts, and likely grow as the group does, she says. "Raising awareness is key," George continues, adding that families applying for assistance will be subject to an income requirement and must seek support from other funding agencies as well. "The more people who are aware that we are out there, and that this is our mandate, the further it will go."

Peter Anderson, who sits on the foundation's board of directors, first got involved in the initiative through the organizing committee for both the Giggle Gala and garage sale. "This year, when (George) decided to change it into a foundation, that was when she asked me to sit on the board," he explains. "I was very happy to."

George's selflessness and dedication to the cause is also inspiring, Anderson continues. "I have admiration for (George) and her need to give back," he says. "As a society and as a community, we should be more involved in our community. This was an opportunity to do so."

Right now, Anderson explains, the board's emphasis is on developing and growing the foundation, in order to "build for the future."

First up will be the second-annual Giggle Gala, continues George, which will take place on Friday, Nov. 7 at 6:30 p.m. at the Chimo Hotel. The event will feature a buffet dinner, silent auction and four comedians from Great North Talent providing an evening of clean comedy, she adds. The original gala saw a turnout of approximately 180 people and raised almost $12,000, George recounts, with hopes this year will at least match or surpass that number. "We hope to do as well or better," she says. "That would be a nice start for the organization." Tickets for the second-annual Giggle Gala are $45. For more information, please visit www.oneboyonevan.ca