Huge thanks to our amazing media sponsor, SagePath Consulting Ltd., for the wonderful highlights’ video below and to Rogers tv Waterloo Region for this great Community News feature.
Our Child Witness Centre 28th Annual Pancake Lunch took place on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at St. George Banquet Hall in Waterloo. Our team and event emcee, Angie Hill of Bounce Radio 99.5, were delighted to welcome over 360 supporters – including sponsors, partners, community leaders, funders, donors, volunteers, and more.
Local young victims of abuse and crime will benefit from the over $54,500 raised by our non-profit’s signature fundraising event. These funds came through sponsorships, ticket sales, a 50/50 draw, a silent auction, and donations. Most of the food and beverages were donated, to help reduce expenses. The funds raised are enough to help at least 54 children and youth navigating the justice system – including during criminal investigations and court trials. It costs an average of $1,000 per year to support each client.
The funds come as our organization is striving to avoid the return of a waitlist, which was eliminated a year ago. Almost 16 new young clients come our way every week on average, and we struggled with the inability for two and a half years to provide the immediate support every child deserves. This was due to insufficient funding and stretched resources, which continue to be a threat.
The Pancake Lunch, held on Shrove Tuesday, was an amazing gathering of community members showing so much heart for kids and their families to heal from their painful experiences and move forward with wellbeing. All the generosity demonstrated translates into trauma-informed care, advocacy, and hope for brighter futures.
The event was also a wonderful opportunity for Robin Heald, Executive Director, to share the large need for, and huge impact of, our services. She announced the launch of our “Survivor’s Circle” campaign which brings together survivors like Robin, and allies, to help children when it’s needed most and break the cycle of harm.
Rebecca Heibein-Kursikowski, Manager of Frontline Programs and Partnerships, took to the stage as well, to speak about the Child & Youth Advocacy Centre (CYAC) of Waterloo Region’s 10th anniversary in 2026. It was a very special moment when Laura Muirhead, former Executive Director of Child Witness Centre, was recognized for her key role in the CYAC’s launch. Stay tuned for details about a CYAC anniversary celebration coming this May!
Rebecca also introduced the crowd to Brady – our new facility dog, who is the first K9 to provide support during forensic interviews at the CYAC.
Our entire team at Child Witness Centre would like to thank everyone who supported our big annual event and champions supporting local young victims and their families. We firmly believe that together with you – our partners and supporters – our community can become a healthier and stronger place!