Singer and registered nurse Cherlyn Cortes raised $372 for Reach at a recent concert in Vancouver.
Accompanied by a guitarist, Cortes sang 11 songs at a Vancouver coffee house to an audience of about 40. A highlight of the concert was a stunning rendition of Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah, which can be viewed on YouTube.
Cortes also handed out Reach donation forms and told the audience about the work the organization does with children with developmental disabilities. When asked about her generosity, Cortes said, "A little seven-year-old boy in our immediate family is in his third year with Reach.
"He currently receives ABA care from the North Delta Reach location with an amazing interventionist who is such a tremendous support to him and our family.
"We've seen so many improvements, particularly in his vocabulary and toileting skills. He also communicates now more frequently in complete sentences and we've seen some decreases in his echolalia."
Echolia is a form of automatic repetitions of the vocalizations of others.
The funds raised by Cortes will support Reach's capital campaign to build a new child development centre in the heart of Ladner. Situated on 47th Avenue, it would replace the Kin House.
The Reach Foundation has already raised more than $1.5 million toward the building project's $4 million goal.
