The Niagara Peninsula Children’s Centre is the charity of choice to receive funds raised at Ontario Women’s Soccer League All Star games.

$1600 was presented to the NPCC Foundation’s Jim Marino by soccer participant Jennifer, referee Geoff and little Emi who receives therapy at the NPCC.

See Photo Here

Mr. And Mrs. Clemens Van der Zalm continued their generous support of the Niagara Peninsula Children’s Centre with the purchase of a much needed new EMG system.

Donna Twose, Kinesiologist and Linda Wallman, Physiotherapist, along with Alex Goldie demonstrated the new EMG system for gait analysis.  This EMG system measures the activity of muscles while a child is moving and was specially designed for assessment of children. The assessment information allows the team to make optimal decisions about therapy, equipment and surgery.   The team and the children served are grateful to Mr and Mrs Clemens Van der Zalm for bringing this state of the art equipment to the Niagara Peninsula Children’s Centre.

View Picture Here

February 13-17 has been designated as the week for the 14^th annual “Kids Helping Kids” campaign in Niagara Catholic District School Board schools in support of the Niagara Peninsula Children’s Centre.

 The campaign is always centred around Valentine’s Day in keeping with a theme of giving from the heart out of love. Students and staff hold various fundraising events in their schools in what the NPCC Foundation calls “one of the best fundraising and educational programs any charity could ever hope for”.

The various projects include read-a-thons, pyjama days, out-of-uniform days, fashion shows, cap days and bake sales to name just a few.

In preparing for these events, and to see how proceeds are used, students from various NCDSB elementary and secondary schools tour the Centre while Foundation staff and volunteers visit schools with video presentations.

Last year students and staff raised $37, 451.77 bringing the total over the years to $526, 795.00.

NPCC Foundation Chair Jack Foster says, “Many former and current students in the Niagara Catholic District School Board system have received or are receiving therapy at the Children’s Centre and have benefited greatly by the Centre’s programs and services. We are very grateful to everyone associated with the NCDSB for their love and compassion so that this outstanding work can continue. It is a partnership to be envied by all”.

NCDSB Director of Education, John Crocco says, “Niagara Catholic District School Board students embody the virtue of charity. This virtue tells us to love God before all things and to love our neighbour as ourselves. Charity also means giving to those in need. Our Niagara Catholic students constantly demonstrate their love for children at home and far away, and I am extremely proud of them”.

Staff at the First Niagara Ontario Credit Union Branch at the corner of Montrose and Thorold Stone Roads in Niagara Falls held various fundraising events with proceeds donated to the Niagara Peninsula Children’s Centre Foundation.

A cheque in the amount of $900.00 was presented to NPCC Foundation’s Jim Marino by Branch Manager Bill Woods and staff members Maria DiPompeo.

See Cheque Presentation

Jack Foster, Chair of the Niagara Peninsula Children’s Centre Foundation has announced that Dennis Hull has been confirmed as the keynote speaker for the 6th Annual Sports Celebrity Dinner scheduled for Tuesday, May 8, 2012 at Club Roma.

Foster says, “On numerous occasions during the last few months while travelling around the Niagara Peninsula, the big question has always been, is Dennis Hull coming back for the next Sports Celebrity Dinner?  I am pleased to announce in the affirmative”.

An air of disappointment and uncertaintly was raised at5 last year’s dinner when Dennis told his audience that would be his last appearance, and since that time both Chair Foster and the Foundation office have been continually questioned about the possibility of Dennis changing his mind.  Foster says that his and a “close pal’s” long-time friendship with Dennis was a strong influence in bringing about the welcome news.

The former Chicago Black Hawks and Detroit Red Wings NHL star is known as one of North America’s foremost after-dinner speakers who is always in high demand.  His hilarious anecdotes and stories, with his unique, distinctive style of delivery has pleased thousands, many of them right here in the Niagara Region.  Gordie Howe once said, “there are two superstars in the Hull family-Bobby the hockey player and Dennis the after-dinner speaker.”

Foster is now in the process of lining-up head table celebrity guests and further information will be forthcoming in the new year.

Scotiabank/ScotiaMcLeod has again agreed to be the corporate sponsor for this event which has become the highlight of the St. Catharines/Niagara sporting year.

The annual sold-out NPCC Sports Celebrity Dinner is also the venue for the annual St. Catharines Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies.