A Peterborough couple are opening more doors to needed treatment for children and families, courtesy of their historic donation to Five Counties Children’s Centre.
Dr. James and Sheila Ryan have donated $227,000 to the Building Abilities for Life Campaign at Five Counties. Their gift is one of the largest ever made to Five Counties in its nearly 50-year history. The Ryan’s investment will directly help Five Counties reduce wait times and provide priority treatment services like speech and occupational therapies for children and youth in the region. It’s estimated the Ryans’ donation will benefit more than 280 children in the Peterborough region to get access to treatment at Five Counties.
"We are extremely appreciative of the Ryans for their incredibly generous gift that will help us provide more life-changing treatment to more children and youth in our community,” says Scott Pepin, CEO at Five Counties.
For their part, the Ryans know all the difference prompt treatment can make for kids. Both previously worked in a hospital setting: James as a doctor and Sheila as a pediatric/orthopedic nurse. "Helping children access physical, developmental and communication support programs is integral to help them build confidence, independence and inclusion to reach their full potential," the Ryans say.
As a show of appreciation, Five Counties is renaming its waiting area in Peterborough in honour of the Ryans.
