Community rallies to rebuild play zone for special needs children after flood damage
The past 10 months have been an emotional journey for Rachel Ricci and her family.
"It was a really big disaster here. It was nerve-wracking. Stressful. I've never been in a flood before," Ricci said in an interview.
Rachel's labour of love, "Caden's lighthouse," is a multisensory play zone for children with special needs. She created it in 2020 with her own son, Caden, in mind. However, it was forced to close last July after a flood, and the community was heartbroken.
"When it closed, our family was devastated, first of all, for the lighthouse and the staff but also for ourselves and Timmy," said the boy's mother, Heidi Liesemer-Frank.
Liesemer-Frank says there aren't many spaces adapted for children on the autism spectrum.
"If we go to a regular play place and it's very chaotic. Timmy has sensory needs, he doesn't like it when it's loud. So we come here," she said.
After the flood, Rachel's options were limited. She was at a standstill until the community she helped build rallied around her.
"One of the parents that comes here created the fundraiser to actually give us a boost so we can pay the contractors to get the work going because waiting for insurance was just taking forever," she says.
That is just one way the lighthouse in Montreal West has become a second family.
"We stand up for each other. We're there for each other. We're supportive of each other."
Timmy's mom agrees. "If you're having a good day, that's great. The staff is going to rejoice with us. But if we're having a harder day, no judgment, and they're here to support us," she said.
Now that the lighthouse 2.0 has reopened, Rachel has a new goal, she says.
"We're hoping to expand and into a therapy centre in the future. I have my fingers crossed to create a center for adults because they need support, too."
For this community, it's Ricci who is the beacon of hope.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Asking rent prices up 9.3% across Canada, Ontario sees only decline: report
A new report says the average asking rent for a home in Canada in April was up 9.3 per cent compared with a year ago, while a slight month-over-month increase was also recorded for the first time since January.
What is basic income, and how would it impact me?
Parliamentarians are considering a pair of bills aiming to lift people out of poverty through a basic income program, but some fear these types of systems could result in more taxes for Canadians who are already financially struggling.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Magnitude 4.2 earthquake reported off Vancouver Island's west coast
A 4.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded west of Vancouver Island early Friday morning.
Mexico's president accuses press and volunteer searchers for missing people of 'necrophilia'
The administration of Mexico's president has accused the press and volunteer searchers who look for the bodies of missing people of 'necrophilia,' comments that drew criticism this week.
WATCH Expecting an interest rate cut in June? Don't bet on it after new jobs data
Canada's labour market rebounded in April, adding more than 90,000 jobs, a staggering number of new positions after four consecutive months of little change.
Out-of-control wildfire burning near Fort McMurray
As of 9 a.m. on Friday, the wildfire burning 28 kilometres southwest of the northeastern Alberta city was 25 hectares in size.
Prince William says wife Kate is 'doing well'
Prince William said on Friday his wife Kate was 'doing well' in a rare public comment about the Princess of Wales as she undergoes preventative chemotherapy for cancer.
'Irate male' assaulted Newfoundland officers with block of cheese, police say
Police in Newfoundland say patrol officers were assaulted Thursday by a "very irate male" wielding a block of cheese.