Our almost free March break

[Hallie's Mom]

We're saving to build a wheel chair accessible house, so no vacations for us. Still wanted the kids to have a fun break. We went to visit family in the US overnight - just cost the gas. Went to a local hockey game (box seats) - the tickets were free from a draw at my DD's school. Visited the Science centre... we had a membership from last year, almost expired... so again just the gas. We had a great break without breaking the bank!

[ColleenMGorecki]

Sound like your family had a lot of fun

[knitting nurse]

Sounds fun, WTG

[Shwa Girl]

We're saving to build a wheel chair accessible house, so no vacations for us.

I may be asking a silly question, but is there no government help for this? Or local service clubs like Rotary or Lion's Club?

[Hallie's Mom]

I may be asking a silly question, but is there no government help for this? Or local service clubs like Rotary or Lion's Club?

Not a silly question at all. Unfourtunately, there is no funding at all if you build an accessible house. Sometimes if you modify a house and your family is under a certain income level, you can qualify for some funding. As a family of 5 on one income (I stay home to take my daughter to all her appointments, and take care of her daily needs - she is 7 and still needs help with little things like feeding) and we would qualify for minimal support (less than $5000.00) Modifying a house for her needs, would be extensive. We also need to save up aprox $20,000.00 for a van modification (on top of the purchase of a new van) to accomodate her power chair. Again, we would qualify for minimal funding. We have entered the contest in my siggy, hoping to help with this huge expense.

[Shwa Girl]

I read local newspaper articles about Rotary Club helping a family with a ramp for the front door or help with purchasing a van. Some local automobile dealerships also assist local families with accessible vehicles. They do it for the publicity

[Zonny]

I read local newspaper articles about Rotary Club helping a family with a ramp for the front door or help with purchasing a van. Some local automobile dealerships also assist local families with accessible vehicles. They do it for the publicity

I like to think they do it for more than publicity. They're a service organization aren't they? I know they accept wheelchair donations, I looked into giving them my Dad's wheelchair after he passed away. I was trying to sell it, but then my Mom was coming to live with us and I needed it gone. Fortunately I found a last-minute buyer before I gave it away.

[Addicted2Coupons]

Let us know how we can help! I will try to vote daily for the contest! Every vote counts!

[Hallie's Mom]

I read local newspaper articles about Rotary Club helping a family with a ramp for the front door or help with purchasing a van. Some local automobile dealerships also assist local families with accessible vehicles. They do it for the publicity

Thank you, for the info. We have definately researched it, with the help of the rehabilitation centre my daughter goes too. We could have gotten a small amount for modifying an exsisting home... but it would be very costly, wider halls, doorways ( which would mean all new flooring ) ramps, complete bathroom reno. We decided to build instead to get the best layout for her. A lot of our funding has been used up for other equipment. We qualify for funding though the gov for her power chair, however we still need a secondary manual wheel chair, (over $4000) We can't get a power chair in our van, or into a lot of places ( like other people's homes ) so it is a necessity. She is to big for strollers, and she can't sit on a chair, so we need a chair wherever we go to feed her in as well. I know that president choice does help families if they are under a certain income level with vans and home modifications... but again we don't qualify - even on one income. I've never heard of a dealership helping out with a van, I will have to look into that.

[Hallie's Mom]

Let us know how we can help! I will try to vote daily for the contest! Every vote counts!

Thands so much for voting. If you would be willing to share the links in my siggy with family and friends by email, facebook or twitter, that would be a huge help as well!
Thanks again for the support

[torontogal12]

Love brags like this! Dont need $ to have fun

[walkonby]

I am very happy that you were able to still enjoy the March break despite the lack of funds, best of luck with the new home renos, ) when they happen) I should not be shocked about the lack of financial support for a family with 1 income, I guess if you literally had nothing, then maybe...that is always the way.

[Shwa Girl]

I like to think they do it for more than publicity.

To clarify - car dealerships may do it for the publicity. Not service clubs.

[anisa]

voted

[oscarandme]

Hallie's Mom!

That's great. Sometimes just being together is enough.

Years ago my mother received financial assistance from CMHC and it was like a lean against her house and she paid it back 20.00 a month for forever but thank goodness it was there. My father had passed away and he was the sole provider and we needed a new roof and windows and copper wiring. They were fantastic. I was young but I remember they saved our home. I wish also I could help. What about your local church? I wonder if they might have some leads.

Canada Pension Disability? I know you said you did all the research and you looked into it. We found out about the program through those magasines stands at the doors of malls, grocery stores called 50 plus and it was about how to keep seniors living in their homes. It was a godsend.

Well be well and hope you reach that amount soon. Thanks for sharing.