Variety charity distributes grants throughout British Columbia to "inspire hope, enrich lives, and build a better future for children who have special needs," according to the organization's website.
And they fulfilled their mandate in spades when one local family sought help and comfort during a difficult time after the birth of their twin daughters.
Nine years ago, Kira and Janelle Couroux were born 11 weeks early to mom Jen Gowan and dad Sean Couroux.
The twins weighed less than three pounds each and were flown to BC Children's Hospital immediately after they were born.
The girls' health problems at birth caused the family to live in Burnaby for two months until they were healthy enough to come home.
But Kira continued to show signs of problems. Finally, at the age of about one, Kira was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy (CP).
The family, which included an older sister, now faced a huge learning curve.
They discovered typical causes for CP include exposure while in utero to radiation or infection, asphyxia before birth, birth trauma during labour and delivery.
The condition is also more common in multiple births because of their low birth weight.
They also faced hefty costs associated with taking care of a child with CP.
And that's when the Variety charity - among others -entered their lives with helpful donations.
The couple learned about funding sources through their occupational therapist.
"We needed to make our lives easier so the first thing [we applied for] was the wheelchair ramp for our van. Those modifications alone were $27,000 and that's what Variety paid for," said Gowan.
Kira's power wheelchair was funded through the province's At Home Program, that assists parents with some of the costs of caring for a disabled child.
"The wheelchair alone was $10,000 and the [seat insert] was custom made by PG Surg-Med Ltd.," said Gowan.
Caring for three children alone has its challenges, add to that, one with special needs, and a parent will have to acquire some exceptional coping skills.
Gowan said she copes by thinking about the present day, not too far into the future.
"Sometimes that's all you can do," she said.
And she never forgets the help they've received.
"We really lucked out with the support we have around us."
She said she sees Kira blossoming every day.
"It's been slow going, but now I can see her as an adult and being able to speak full sentences and telling people what she wants. Not that she doesn't already do that," Gowan laughed.
Having moved to B.C. from Northern Ontario as high school sweethearts, Couroux said he has no regrets - and in fact feels grateful for his life.
"Out here I have every thing I've ever wanted - kids, a house, a wife. Our life is good. Busy, but good," said Couroux.
