The process to have Ian Hyland return to his home in Owen Sound continues.
Hyland, a 14 year old, was badly injured last winter in a snowboard crash and was paralysed as a result.
While the Hillcrest Elementary grad continues to recover in Toronto at Bloorview Kids Rehab, many steps still need to be completed in order to facilitate his homecoming.
Among those steps is the purchase or conversion of a van suitable to transport the youngster.
The Hyland Family received terrific news this week from President’s Choice Children’s Charity and Steve’s No Frills in the Galaxy Center.
Once the Hylands have finalized the details of purchasing a new mode of transportation, PC Children’s Charity will provide a large portion of the funds needed for the purchase of the vehicle.
Ian’s father, Dan says conversion of a van can cost close to 35 thousand dollars and the family has been looking to find one that has already been converted and is wheelchair accessible.
Dan Hyland admits the search process is a challenge, but there are avenues to explore and a pool of such vehicles is available.
Overall, the family has been overwhelmed by the generosity of Steve’s No Frills and so many others in the community over the course of 2009.
The funding for the van selection comes 100 per cent from Owen Sound and area and the various fundraisers that have been initiated and conducted by Steve’s No Frills.
Hyland states No Frills have been a terrific supporter for the family, citing a ” Proceeds from Produce ” Day at the store as one example.
Dan Hyland also mentioned that when the Hillcrest Elementary fundraiser fell just short of their stated goal of 16 thousand dollars to purchase a custom wheelchair for Ian, No Frills made a donation allowing Hillcrest to hit their target.
The potential exists that Ian Hyland could be back at his home in Owen Sound next month, and is currently expected to be at West Hill Secondary for the Fall term.