New Heather's Helping Hand Fund - Supporting John McGivney Children’s Centre families this Mother’s Day

April 27, 2022

Heather McFadden worked at the John McGivney Children’s Centre (JMCC) for more than twenty years, most recently as the Manager of Finance. In January, Heather passed away suddenly, leaving family, friends, and colleagues stunned and distraught.
            “Heather was family,” says Jessica Sartori, JMCC CEO. “She went above and beyond to help her fellow staff, and the children receiving services through JMCC. Heather had a very special place in her heart for our families, often helping with special events and activities.”  
            In the depths of his grief, Heather’s husband, Eric Gajda wanted to be sure that JMCC kids continued receiving support, so he created the Heather’s Helping Hand Fund. The funds will support families struggling to make ends meet. There are many out-of-pocket and unexpected expenses for JMCC families.
            “In addition to driving their children to local therapy and medical appointments,” Jessica says, “JMCC children need to go out of town for specialized treatments, medical appointments and/or surgeries. Fuel costs are very challenging for families. The cost of groceries adds up quickly, too.”
            Heather’s Helping Hand Fund will provide pre-paid gas cards and grocery cards to families experiencing these challenges. Often, too, families struggle with the costs of non-prescription items, such as Tylenol, as well as diapers, clothing, and food essentials. There are plans to also provide gift cards from large retailers to help families in need purchase these items.
            JMCC has always been close to the community’s heart, so it is no surprise that donations have already been made by her many friends and family members. The Charles and Ethel Cohen Family Foundation also recently donated $5,000, and will match donations up to another $5,000 until May 31, 2022. Allan Cohen, Charles and Ethel’s grandson, has been a long-time supporter and board member of JMCC.
            “Heather was happy and proud to work at JMCC and was always ready to help,” says Eric. “Heather's Helping Hand Fund is such a beautiful way to help others. She would be so pleased and thankful that it will help the families and children at JMCC whom she so deeply cared about.”
            Heather was an active member of the Windsor-Essex community, volunteering her time with the Knights of Columbus, where proceeds from fundraising activities were donated to JMCC.
            “Mom loved working at JMCC,” says Heather’s son, Dr. Richard McFadden. “Growing up, she would tell me about her day and it always included when she went in the building, in the morning, and saw the kids. She always felt great about what JMCC was doing and would be elated to know this fund was started in her honour to help the JMCC families.”
            Jackie Etches, Heather’s daughter, adds: “It’s hard to sum up how great a mother, and how amazing a person my mom was. She was always there for us growing up.  My brothers and I played sports and she spent countless hours watching our games. When I had surgery, she was by my side during my recovery. She would be so happy to know that Heather’s Helping Hand will help moms do the best they can for their children, like my mom did for us!”
            For anyone unsure what to get mom for Mother’s Day, please consider donating to Heather’s Helping Hand Fund at www.jmccentre.ca/donate.