Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare (HDGH) and the HDGH Foundation officially celebrated the opening of “the Nest,” a new playground for children participating in the Regional Children’s Centre (RCC) Intensive Treatment Services Program.
The playground was made possible through the generous fundraising efforts of Dave and Mackenzie Cassidy, whose commitment to the project helped bring “the Nest” from an idea to a reality.
“The Nest” provides a dedicated outdoor space where children participating in Intensive Treatment Services can play, connect and engage in activities in a welcoming and safe environment.
“Families who are struggling to meet the mental health needs of their child in lesser intensive services are able to attend here and receive higher levels of care tailored to their family's specific needs. Our Day Treatment program provides children with a highly structured and therapeutic environment that allows them to still enjoy typical community school experiences”, states Kyle Williamson, Operations Manager, Intensive Treatment Services. “What was missing, until now, was an updated play space. Thanks to the support of the Mackenzie and David Cassidy, we are able to further enhance our ability to provide an engaging environment where children can explore, move and grow – building confidence, relieving stress, and developing import skills through play.”
Dave and Mackenzie Cassidy were joined at the ribbon cutting by Lynn Lee, HDGH Foundation Board Chair, and Kyle Williamson, Operations Manager, Intensive Treatment Services, along with representatives from HDGH and the HDGH Foundation.
“This project is something that my family and I have been aspiring to achieve for some time. To see it come to life and to hear about the positive impact that it has in the lives of the children at the RCC fills me with an incredible sense of gratitude”, states Mackenzie Cassidy, funding supporter of playground project. "Something like this takes a village, and we couldn’t have done it without the incredible support of our friends, families and community.”
HDGH’s RCC is an accredited children’s mental health centre serving children, youth and families in our community. Intensive Treatment Services provides specialized support to children with complex needs, with programming designed to support their individual development and well-being.
The addition of “the Nest” provides another space that can complement the care and programming available to children through Intensive Treatment Services.
The HDGH Foundation extends its sincere thanks to Dave and Mackenzie Cassidy, the supporters of the 5KM Run Through the Orchard event and the donors of the 2025 Big Party Table Challenge for raising over $105,000.00 in support of this project. Their generosity and commitment have created a space that will be enjoyed by children accessing services at the RCC for years to come.