Local family donates $10,000 to the John McGivney Children’s Centre with proceeds from a ‘small backyard fundraiser’

September 25, 2023

The Doerksen family held a fundraiser as a way to give back to the John McGivney Children’s Centre.

Oakley was diagnosed with Limb Body Wall Complex and given a 2% chance of survival, if he made it through to the end of pregnancy.  He is now almost three years old.

“The doctors had no hope for him, as they all had never seen someone with his diagnosis survive,” says Oakley’s mom Lisa.  “At birth, there were 15 doctors and nurses trying to figure out how this little baby would make it. Minute by minute, Oakley showed us all how strong he was. He overcame every battle that was thrown at him in his diagnosis. After four weeks of being in the NICU, Oakley showed us he was ready to come home to us and meet the rest of the family. Everyone, including the doctors are learning from him every day.”

Oakley started working with the John McGivney Children’s Centre around the age of three months. “The Centre has been so patient with us and has done amazing things to get Oakley to where he is today. Oakley is now walking around in his little pacer that the Centre has provided for him and he is just enjoying life, regardless of the obstacles that may be in his way.”



Oakley has been receiving physiotherapy, speech & language therapy and occupational therapy.

“This is so humbling,” says Occupational Therapist Maria Kmet. “This young family is amazing and it has been a pleasure working with his parents and with Oakley. We are so grateful for their very generous donation, and it will be put to very good use.”

The Doerksens held a backyard fundraiser to raise funds for the Centre, which included live music from the band Buck Twenty, yard games, and food. 

“With the donations from our little fundraiser, we were able to donate $10,000. There is nothing more beautiful than someone who goes out of their way to make life better for others. This is how we feel about the John McGivney Children’s Centre and why we chose to raise money to support them.”

“The incredible staff will be working with Oakley for years to come. The Centre has already done such an amazing job to help Oakley. We couldn't be more thankful.”