John McGivney Children's Centre receives $53,000 in McHappy Day Proceeds

June 28, 2023

John McGivney Children’s Centre (JMCC) was presented with a cheque from the Windsor Essex and Tilbury McDonald’s restaurants during the JMCC Superhero Fun Day on June 17, 2023.

The $53,000 will go towards JMCC’s Summer Camp Program, and to a new Outdoor Learning Space.

“Camp McGivney” summer camps are specifically designed for JMCC children with physical disabilities that prevent them from attending a community camp due to feeding, toileting and lift/transferring needs. Campers participate in a variety of activities such as arts and crafts, nature exploration and games, and are staffed by camp counsellors that include students from University of Windsor Disability Studies & Psychology, Human Kinetics, Drama & Education and Social Work. CAMP McGivney has been running for over 40 years, with approximately 600 participants from across Windsor-Essex.

“Expanding the classrooms in the JMCC School into an Outdoor Learning Space is something we have wanted to do for some time, but have not had the resources to do so,” said Ken Kapustiak, JMCC Board President. “McDonald’s has once again stepped up to help us, our families and our Windsor/Essex community. We are very grateful to Matt Tatomir and Jason Trussell, Owner/Operators of the Windsor Essex and Tilbury restaurants, and all of the McDonald’s staff for the hard work they put in during McHappy Day to benefit children.”

“Research shows that outdoor play in naturalized environments has a positive impact on children’s development and physical health, including strengthened motor, verbal and social skills, stress relief, increased attention and cognitive abilities, and decreased attention deficit disorder symptoms. In addition, exposure to nature can strengthen the immune system,” said Jennifer Jovanovski, JMCC Director of Client Services. “Our new on-site Outdoor Learning Space will be a beautiful, fully accessible place that thousands of children will enjoy, while improving their physical and their mental health.”

This is the third time the John McGivney Children's Centre has received proceeds from McHappy Day. The total to date is $115,890.00.