About
How We Started
In 1949 the concept of a treatment facility for children with orthopedic problems was formed by a group The Hamilton District Society for Disabled Children (HDSDC).
HDSDC leased the Empire Building from Chedoke Hospital, hired staff, and Cerebral Palsy Centre was born. Services provided included assessments by orthopedic surgeons, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and speech and language pathologist. A daily nursery school for children under six with disabilities and a classroom for children attending the centre for treatment were included. Funding for the entire program was provided through fund raising efforts of the HDSDC.
Over the years, the society has continued to provide services for disabled children in the Regions of Hamilton-Wentworth and Haldimand and the City of Burlington.
Our Mission
Working in partnership with community-based programs, services and initiatives to provide the financial means that facilitate efforts to enhance the lives of disabled children and youth by removing barriers to reaching their full potential and participating as thriving members of the community.
What We Do
Through our principals of integrity, empowerment, and collaboration, we work with local organizations to meaningfully improve the quality of life for children with disabilities. We achieve our mission by funding and supporting projects that empower disabled youth. We believe that partnerships are based on mutual trust and respect to ensure the financial support provided through HSDC serves as a catalyst for the betterment of children living with disabilities. We ensure that compassion guides our work along with thoughtful consideration of the impact we may have through the support we offer. HSDC accepts the responsibility of ensuring all our decision-making reflects and honours our mission. Accountability is paramount for all members of our Board as well as our partners who receive funding. We ensure accountability guides our projects in reflection as a measure of success.
Our Board Members
Christopher Grabiec
When Chris first began his working career, he spent a great deal of time working with Hydrocephalic children. There was no real treatment for them at the time – only compassion and love in the midst of residential living. He has been keenly interested in supporting children who experience the pain of disability, sickness and perhaps immanent death. Being on this board is therefore an important part of his life journey.
Chris is a graduate of the University of Waterloo and the University of Western Ontario. He also graduated from the University of Notre Dame (Indiana). He brings to the table many years of compassionate experience of working with the disadvantaged in our society. He has also spent the last number of years as a CEO of a local business and struggles to blend good business skills with his understanding of a compassionate existence.
Dan Haney
Given Dan’s early career in sales management and the last forty years in sales and client service, He believes that his leadership and listening skills are utilized to the best of his ability as an HDSDC Board member. Also, when working collaboratively with the HDSDC Board, our ongoing work yields great results that benefit physically and mentally disabled children with the greater Hamilton community!
As all of us acquire varied skill sets and experiences throughout our lifetime, the thrill of being able to give back to HDSDC with his time and talents is important Dan. Dan feels we are all so fortunate to have been called to support the ongoing work and mission of the HDSDC!
Paula Kerlew
Paula has worked as a Medical Secretary for over 20 years with a passion for healthcare and organizational excellence. Her journey from managing administrative tasks to the role of a dedicated nonprofit leader for HDSDC for the past 12 years has equipped her with the skills needed to drive impactful change. Paula has a deep commitment to the organization’s mission and brings an equitable lens to the organization and has a dedication to social justice and empowering marginalized communities.
Paula feels it is important to be a part of HDSDC not only to be a part of the community, but to actively contribute to programs for youth with disabilities that will create positive change and a lasting impact within the community we live in.
Iris Krawchenko
Over the past 39 years as a practicing pharmacist in Hamilton, Iris been a member, executive member and President of numerous provincial and national Boards related to the profession of pharmacy, healthcare and charitable foundations. This background provides a solid foundation for her contribution to this organization.
Iris volunteers with this organization to help build a brighter future for youth with disabilities in Hamilton. Supporting initiatives with identified funding gaps opens doors to access relevant youth programs and vital healthcare services. It is very rewarding for her to work closely with the community to enable transformational opportunities for local youth with disabilities.
Mark Matson, President
Mark is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) with a wealth of experience and knowledge in the financial and business world. He has been Partner for almost 20 years at a National CPA Firm in Burlington where he has worked since 1999.
Mark has been a Board member of HDSDC for over 40 years and has been both Treasurer and President for most of that time. Mark prides himself as being very much a team player and consensus builder and a supporter of HDSDC’s mission and values. He is open-minded and is willing to take all opinions into account and work towards mutually agreeable conclusions and decisions.
Mark is also quite active in the community and has been a Board member for a number of community and charitable organizations over the years in various roles including Treasurer, Audit Committee Chair and Presidents. Mark believes its important to be apart of HDSDC as President, he holds a unique position to drive positive change, advocate for the cause and lead the organization towards its mission.
Jan Nichols
Jan has lived in Hamilton his entire life. As a funeral director Jan was very involved with supporting our community. The Ontario Funeral Provincial Association recognized his volunteering efforts with a Humanitarian Award.
Jan and his family have supported over 150 organizations, and he has helped to raise millions of dollars. Local Rotary Clubs have recognized Jan with two Paul Harris Fellowships in recognition of the work he has done to better our communities.
Jan is excited to join HDSDC as the mission is not to raise funds but to help select local organizations that require financial assistance. Helping Children and Youth with Physical and Mental Disabilities is a commitment that Jan will take seriously.
He is looking forward to working closely with Community Leaders and Associations tapping into his skillsets, experiences and learned lessons.
Kevin Walker
Kevin’s entire career has been in the Financial Services Industry, serving as a Portfolio Manager. His extensive experience provides valuable insight into HDSDC’s investment activities.
Kevin is a passionate advocate for volunteerism, particularly supporting local causes that empower youth and underserved populations. Kevin’s commitment to community engagement and his financial expertise makes him a valuable asset in advancing charitable initiatives.