“Our daughter Kayla’s life was saved by the teams at McMaster Children’s Hospital,” write Charlotte and Tim Blevins of Reid’s Heritage Homes.

In 2011, Kayla Blevin developed a severe E. coli infection, leaving her with life-threatening kidney failure and sending her to McMaster’s Children’s Hospital in Hamilton, Ontario. Now, six years later, Kayla has regained kidney function and her parents say they couldn’t be more thankful for the care at the hospital.

To show their gratitude, Tim and Charlotte Blevin pledged to raise enough funds to redevelop the hospital’s Nephrology Clinic so many more children can have access to the incredible program.

They spearheaded Caring for Little Kidneys, a fundraising program created to raise $650,000 to redevelop the clinic. It is the only location in south-central Ontario where children with kidney disorders and those who require dialysis are treated.

The new clinic will feature the latest technology and state-of-the-art medical equipment to care for children who are born with kidney disease or who develop acute kidney issues.

“Out of gratitude, we wanted to find a way to give back – the Caring for Little Kidneys Campaign is our way of doing that,” write Charlotte and Tim.

On June 18, 2017, Reid’s Heritage Homes raised the largest sum to date at its second annual Take a Ride for MacKids family event in Cambridge, Ontario.

Take a Ride for MacKids

Over 1,500 people attended Take a Ride for MacKids to support the efforts. Families enjoyed face painting, helicopter and midway rides, and a silent auction. Children had fun safely exploring a combine, trucks and other large machinery.

More than $50,000 was raised, surpassing Reid’s Heritage Homes’ goal and nearly doubling that of last year’s event. The surplus in funds raised will help to purchase a dialysis machine for the new pediatric dialysis unit at the hospital.

“Over 100 people volunteered their time and equipment for this day, including Reid’s Heritage Group of Companies, local vendors and other community members,” says Chris Roth, marketing manager with Reid’s Heritage Homes, a member of Guelph and District Home Builders’ Association. “It was extraordinary. Thank you to everyone who helped out and joined us for a great cause!”

Would you like to get involved? Find out more by clicking here and following the hashtag, #TakeaRide2017 on social media.

Find out how other CHBA members are contributing to #CdnBuilt communities by following the hashtag on social media, or check out Giving Back on the blog.