In May 1899, a group of community-minded women met in Toronto to discuss the creation of a “Home for Incurable Children.” Many of them had already helped to establish the Hospital for Sick Children in 1875, and were concerned with the lack of services available for children following acute care treatment at the hospital. Within seven months, they had developed enough interest that a house and furnishings for 15 children had been donated at 138 Avenue Rd., and a superintendent, was hired. Five physicians had signed on, deferring payment for their work.
Today, Bloorview Kids Rehab is Ontario’s largest children’s rehabilitation facility, providing highly specialized hospital care, outpatient clinics and community outreach programs to more than 5,000 children each year. Most live in Toronto, but young people are helped from all across Ontario who have complicated needs beyond the resources of their home communities. For more information about this establishment go to www.bloorview.ca.