London, September 30, 2024 – The London Home Builders’ Association (LHBA) donated $100,000 this summer to Kids Kicking Cancer Canada – Heroes Circle; shared proceeds from the recent sale of its Green Home Build project made possible by the generous support of over 50 LHBA members and the wider home building community.
“Giving back to the community through awareness and charitable efforts is something our members strongly believe in. We were happy to be able to come together as an Association while partnering with the wider home building industry and are truly honoured to be able to donate to Kids Kicking Cancer Canada’s – Heroes Circle. We want to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed and gave their time towards this impactful project.” (Jared Zaifman, CEO, London Home Builders’ Association)
Along with major project partners Sifton Properties, Centennial Windows & Doors, Cambria, Progressive Countertops and GCW Custom Kitchens & Cabinetry Inc., this unique project brought together builders, suppliers, sub-trades, designers, educators, and students to build a new zero ready home with state of the art features, energy-efficient products and the latest advancements in home building with community spirit, education and charitable giving at its core.
“None of this would be possible without the incredible and generous support of donors and sponsors. There is never a cost to participating families and our program is 100% funded by the community.” (Toby Stolee, Vice President, Construction at Sifton and also Chair of Kids Kicking Cancer Canada’s National Board of Directors)
LHBA’s donation will directly impact Kids Kicking Cancer Canada’s evidence-based innovative program that merges integrative medicine with traditional martial arts, addressing the overwhelming needs of children with illness and celebrating the courage of an amazing group of little heroes.
Program services are at no cost and are open to children 3 years and older facing the pain and discomfort of any illness, and their siblings. One-on-one training and group classes are available for both pediatric inpatients and outpatients in over fifty hospitals and institutions around the Globe. In areas where they do not yet have programs, video conferencing lessons are available.
“In several studies, the KKCC methodology has been proven to reduce pain and distress among children with chronic health conditions, as well as their otherwise healthy siblings. For our London program, we partner with Children’s Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre and community partners like TVCC, Vanier Children’s Services, Easter Seals and others, serving children and youth experiencing chronic illnesses, neurological conditions, disabilities, trauma, violence, and other adverse childhood experiences.” (Jill Osborne, National Executive Director at KKCC)
Specially trained black belt martial artists teach breathing, visualization, and relaxation techniques, in addition to traditional martial arts moves, to help empower the children and provide them with a sense of power, peace, and purpose. The Heroes Circle Program teaches children to:
- Regain a sense of control over the chaos of their lives.
- Become empowered partners in their own healing.
- Push away the messages of pain, fear, and anger.
- Provide inspiration and light to others facing life-challenges.
- Teach other children, and even adults, how to take control.
- See themselves as victors, not victims.
“I got more scared and anxious with every needle. This all changed when I joined Heroes Circle. The Senseis taught me how to breathe in the light and blow out the darkness. It was so powerful. I learned how to feel in control, to be calm inside and breathe through blood work and daily injections.” (Sara Stapleton, Heroes Circle Participant, describing life as a cancer survivor)
Visit Kids Kicking Cancer Canada’s website for more program details: https://kidskickingcancer.ca/
A full list of project partners and project history details can be found on LHBA’s website: https://www.lhba.on.ca/en/community/green-home-build
For media inquiries, interviews or more information, please contact:
Amanda Moss
Director of Membership and Communication
London Home Builders’ Association
519.859.7433