A Niagara-on-the-Lake couple is matching up to $50,000 all contributions made to support the only organization in Ontario providing a continuum of care in respite, residential and hospice palliative services to medically complex children and their families.

Michele Darling and Michael Eagen have been the benefactors and guardians of the Darling Home for Kids in Milton since 2007 and in recognition of National Philanthropy Day on Nov. 15 announced the gift-match program.

Ontario’s first pediatric hospice and respite centre, the home was built to provide essential care to families facing the daily challenges of caring for a child with complex medical needs. The children require around-the-clock care and their families need support.

In 2022, Darling helped the home’s Embrace Campaign raise more than $7 million to build an additional 10,000 square feet at the facility.

“As proud guardians for 15 years, our family has watched the Darling Home for Kids far exceed every hope we had starting out all those years ago,” Michele Darling said.

“The impact on the families we support is wide-reaching and profound,” she added.

“We know that when parents can take a break from the heavy caregiving responsibilities that come with having a medically complex child, they return refreshed and renewed and this in turn impacts those around them in a positive way.”

More information is available online at darlinghomeforkids.ca.