Generous donors help make smiles possible for kids

Generous donors are helping kids with craniofacial differences smile through a leading-edge program that’s the first of its kind in Canada.

“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for making a profound impact and helping to create a place where healing, compassion, learning and excellence come together. Your kindness is truly meaningful for our family,” says Joanna, Jacob’s grateful mom.

Donor support of the Speech & Language Therapy Day Camp through the Manitoba Centre for Craniofacial Difference (MCCD) at HSC Children’s Hospital is making a world of difference for kids in your community, like Jacob.

The camp is running for a third year in summer 2025 so children with craniofacial differences can gather to laugh, play, connect and grow. At the Speech & Language Therapy Camp kids from ages two to eight participated in specialized activities for their conditions to help them learn skills, make friends and build confidence.

Manitoba has one of the highest cleft lip/palate rates per capita in Canada, with about 65 children born each year with a craniofacial difference that will require the expertise of the MCCD team.

The camp not only creates a safe place for kids to meet others like them, but it also teaches kids and their caregivers activities that help to improve speech and language impairments. The camp’s programming was thoughtfully created to address the most common needs of children with cleft lip/palate while creating an engaging and fun experience for kids to achieve goals, receive rewards, make friends, and learn lifelong skills.

Kids at the day camp also get a chance to play and explore with their peers at outings, which in the past have included outdoor adventures at FortWhyte Alive, tours at the Assiniboine Park Zoo, bowling at Uptown Alley, physical activity at Hide N Seek and so much more. Entertainment for campers includes balloons, magic, singing, dancing, music and more.

This Speech & Language Therapy Camp has made a real difference for kids living with craniofacial differences, like Beau.

Beau Bighill was treated for cleft lip and palate at HSC Children’s Hospital. His father Adam was also born with a cleft lip and palate. Adam and his wife Kristina are very thankful for Beau’s experience at the camp.

“I think there is a benefit in knowing you are not the only one – there are other kids like you. And for the families to connect with each other also,” says Adam.

“When donors give to programs like this, you are making a significant difference in the lives of kids and their ability to go through the important milestones in their health and development.”

The Speech & Language Therapy Camp will forever change the lives of kids who attend. They gain confidence, a network of friends, are better prepared for school, and overall their mental health improves. This camp can shape the people these kids become, and the Foundation is deeply grateful for donors who help make smiles possible for kids.