Olivia
We are pleased to announce that ARK Kid Olivia’s renovation was completed in 2024!
Olivia is a sweet, joyful child who loves playing games, spending time with her family, and participating in activities with her friends at school. She lives with global developmental delay, OPD syndrome, and optic nerve hypoplasia. She is unable to walk or speak and relies on a wheelchair for mobility.
Before the renovation, Olivia’s family couldn’t easily bring her wheelchair into their home. It had to be left on the bus due to lack of access. In the backyard, an inaccessible deck meant she was unable to safely spend time outside with her loved ones. These barriers made everyday life more challenging and limited Olivia’s participation in important family routines.
This renovation has brought a powerful shift to daily life for Olivia and her family. She can now move in and out of her home safely, be part of outdoor family time, and navigate her surroundings with a new sense of ease, inclusion, and dignity.
Reno Scope of Work
ARK partnered with SHIFT Accessibility Contractors Ltd. and Northmount Kiwanis to provide the renovation work. They installed a porch lift at the front of the home for safe and easy wheelchair access, a new porch platform and stairs, as well the backyard deck was rebuilt to allow Olivia to access and enjoy outdoor space with her family. The deck railings were completed in early 2024.
This renovation has brought a powerful shift to daily life for Olivia and her family. She can now move in and out of her home safely, be part of outdoor family time, and navigate her surroundings with a new sense of ease, inclusion, and dignity.
Feedback
At ARK’s Pledge Day, Olivia’s dad, Francis, spoke about the impact this renovation has made in their family’s daily lives. He shared how much easier things have become at home, and expressed appreciation for ARK’s mission and the professionalism and care shown by SHIFT Accessibility and their partners.
We extend our sincere gratitude to the generous project partners, donors, and funders who made Olivia’s renovation possible.
To help us continue transforming the lives of more kids like Olivia, please consider supporting ARK with a donation or in-kind contribution. To learn more, please visit our donate page.
donors and funders of renovations
- SHIFT Projects
- Uppercut Elevators and Lifts
- Erin Myers Designs
- Musha Collaboration Inc
- Kiwanis Club of Calgary Northmount
- Many individuals and community members who contributed through fundraising and donations