Consistent access to funding expands opportunities and independence
For nine-year-old Everett, living on a busy hobby farm in Langley means a life full of rescue horses, two younger siblings, and a lot of adventure. He’s happy and outgoing and loves all things Star Wars. For years though, communicating his joys and interests was difficult.
“When he started kindergarten, people who didn’t know him understood less than 20% of what he was saying,” his mom, Claudia, recalls. Everett has several learning and coordination disorders, as well as a form of cerebral palsy that affects his facial muscles, making speech particularly challenging.
At first, Claudia paid for speech therapy out of pocket. But the high cost of weekly sessions—an average of $700 a month—was difficult to sustain long-term.
While some public funding exists, it often doesn’t cover the full scope or frequency of care that children like Everett require.
That’s where Variety BC steps in. In 2025, Variety provided over $3.1 million in essential healthcare funding to individual families across BC—as well as investing in accessible equipment in schools, community organizations, and more. Every grant is an investment in a child’s passions, confidence, and future.
“When I found out about Variety’s speech therapy funding, it made a big difference,” Claudia says. With consistent therapy, Everett’s speech has transformed. Today, most people understand 95% of what he says. This progress has given him more freedom, including taking the school bus independently.
“If his speech hadn’t progressed, I would never let him take the bus alone,” Claudia says. “Now he can express himself, have a conversation, introduce himself, and even make little jokes with people.”
Speech is just one part of Everett’s growth. At home, he’s focusing on developing coordination and life skills, like learning swim or make his own cheese pizza. “Hopefully he grows into a young man who can have a life on his own,” Claudia says. “His speech has come so, so far.”
For kids like Everett, early, consistent speech therapy is vital for their development. Ongoing funding makes that possible, removing affordability gaps that would otherwise limit access to care. This support allows Everett to reach milestones, build confidence, and thrive in everyday life.