An 11-year-old Coquitlam boy with Down syndrome is on his way to harnessing early educational and motor skills.
Jonathan and the Haddad family was recently named recipients of a tutoring bursary, courtesy of Variety - the Children's Charity.
It's set to help him further develop skills in math, reading and writing, as well as other basic essentials that can lead to a thriving life inside the classroom and socially out in society.
The one-on-one personalized tutoring is being conducted via the Down Syndrome Resource Foundation.
The money for the bursary was funded thanks to residents from across the province who decided to donate to Variety's cause — distributing a total of more than $35 million to B.C. families since 2010.
"Variety has played an important role in Jonathan’s life providing much-needed assistance along the way," said his mother Darlene Haddad in a release issued to the Tri-City News.
Jonathan was also born with a congenital heart defect and global development delay, which causes speech, vision and gross and fine motor issues.
According to Variety, before turning two years old, Jonathan endured several heart surgeries, laser throat surgery and ear surgery.
"When Jonathan was a baby, he needed a very expensive baby formula for a month after one of his surgeries which Variety provided to help us through an extremely difficult time," Darlene explained.
"It takes a village to raise a child and working together, we can all make a huge difference in the lives of B.C.’s children with special needs just like Jonathan."
Variety's mantra is to step in "where health care ends" in directly providing funds for B.C. children with special needs.
In 2021, its annual telethon fundraiser brought in more than $6.68 million. It's 2022 edition is scheduled to take place Thursday to Saturday (Feb. 24-26).
The donations will be put towards grants for families in needs of resources for their kids that include mobility equipment, lifesaving medical supplies, specialized therapies, mental wellness counselling, educational programs and private autism assessments.
Jonathan and the Haddads are set to be featured guests on the Show of Hearts as they'll share their journey along with others who have benefited from the telethon.
The program takes place Saturday from 1 to 5:30 p.m. on Global BC.
To donate to the cause directly, you're encouraged to visit Variety's website or call toll-free at 310-5437.
