Media Release – Friday, December 20, 2024
AJAX, ON – The Grandview Kids Foundation has officially closed its $20-million Believe Campaign, marking a major milestone in the journey to build and support the new Grandview Kids – The Jerry Coughlan Building at 1461 Harwood Ave. N. in Ajax.
The campaign began quietly in 2008 and was publicly launched in 2018, concluding in December 2024 with support from more than 300 donors. A celebration on December 17 in The Jerry Coughlan Building’s Canadian Tire Jumpstart Gymnasium brought together more than 150 donors, community partners and supporters.
Durham Radio’s Terry Johnston joined as emcee for the event, creating a lively and inspiring atmosphere. Guests were welcomed to the gymnasium, located on Level 2, for an informal reception at 1 p.m. Durham Radio host Jerry Archer, of KX96 New Country FM, interviewed key contributors to the Believe Campaign, including Brigitte Tschinkel, executive director of the Foundation; Bryan Yetman, chair of the Foundation’s Board of Directors; and Lyn Dunlop-Coughlan, wife of the late Jerry Coughlan.
The event officially began at 1:30 p.m. with a moving video that featured seven Believe Campaign Ambassadors — Amanda, Justine, Matthew, Molly, Teagan and Timothy — who shared their stories and advocated for the Believe Campaign since its inception.
Guests also toured the state-of-the-art facility, guided by members of Team Grandview. The tour included the unveiling of the Foundation’s new donor wall on Level 1, where the names of all Believe Campaign contributors since 2008 above the $10,000 level are displayed.
As the Grandview Kids Foundation celebrates the Believe Campaign’s conclusion and the official opening of Grandview Kids – The Jerry Coughlan Building, it looks ahead to its 30th anniversary in 2025, ready to build on the momentum of this historic achievement.
The Grandview Kids Foundation extends its deepest gratitude to all donors and partners who made the Believe Campaign a success.
“Gathering in the new Grandview Kids – The Jerry Coughlan Building was a powerful moment of reflection. Reminiscing about the years of dedication and advocacy for the Believe Campaign was truly humbling following the Grand Opening event. The state-of-the-art Jerry Coughlan Building serves as a testament to the accomplishments that become possible when we choose to believe.
– Brigitte Tschinkel, CFRE
Executive Director of the Grandview Kids Foundation
About Grandview Kids Foundation
The Grandview Kids Foundation – established in 1995 – is an accredited charity organization through Imagine Canada. The Foundation raises funds to advance and support the specialized programs and rehabilitation services delivered by Grandview Kids in the Durham Region. Through the generosity of donors, the Grandview Kids Foundation supported Grandview Kids’ children and youth to live, learn and play.
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Kelsey Cluett
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