Young Car Enthusiast Driving Inclusion Through Help Kids Shine Campaign
May 19, 2026
Young Car Enthusiast Driving Inclusion Through Help Kids Shine Campaign
Annual fundraiser surpasses $287,284 raised in third week of campaign
Niagara Falls, ON – Cameron can identify almost any car on the road before most people even notice it.
“Mom, that’s not a Hyundai — it’s a Nissan,” he’ll quickly correct with a smile.
His love for cars has become more than a hobby. It has become a way to connect with others, build confidence, and create community.
Now, 13-year-old Cameron and his family are sharing their story as ambassadors for Niagara Children’s Centre’s 2026 Help Kids Shine campaign, helping raise awareness and support for children and youth across Niagara.
As of May 19, the campaign has raised $287,284 toward its $350,000 goal in support of programs and services at the Children’s Centre.
Diagnosed with autism at a young age, Cameron’s parents remember the uncertainty they felt after concerns were first raised while he was attending daycare in Toronto.
“We knew something was different, but we didn’t know what,” his father, Michael Collins, shared. “When autism was first mentioned, it felt like our whole world changed overnight. We didn’t know what to expect.”
Shortly after relocating to Niagara in 2017, the family connected with the Centre through the then-named Speech Services Niagara. Cameron’s parents describe those early supports as life-changing during a period when they felt isolated and overwhelmed.
“One of the biggest things the Centre gave us was the feeling that we weren’t alone anymore,” Collins said. “They didn’t just see Cameron as a client — they saw him as a whole person.”
The family credits the Centre with helping Cameron grow in confidence through speech therapy, recreational therapy, occupational therapy, swimming programs, and adaptive recreation opportunities. They also say the Centre helped connect them to other community programs and families navigating similar experiences.
One breakthrough moment came during an occupational therapy swim program, where Cameron’s therapist taught his father simple techniques to help him feel more comfortable and regulated in the water.
“It completely changed how he experienced swimming,” Collins said. “You realize how important these supports are because they give families tools and understanding you simply don’t have on your own.”
Today, Cameron’s passion for cars has become a source of pride and leadership.
Inspired by visits to the Canadian International AutoShow and local car events, Cameron launched his own school car show to share his love of vehicles with classmates and the broader community.
What started as a small idea quickly grew into a community-wide event with more than 100 vehicles and hundreds of attendees, including local businesses, police services, families, and car enthusiasts.
But for Cameron, the event was never about expensive sports cars or trophies.
“It was for everybody,” Collins said. “Cameron wanted every car to feel welcome.”
One of the family’s favourite moments came when a family accidentally entered the show lineup in their older Honda Odyssey minivan, assuming they had parked in the wrong place.
“Cameron ran over, yelling, ‘Yes! A Honda Odyssey!” Collins laughed. “He made them feel like their vehicle was just as special as every other car there.”
The family is already planning the next edition of the car show, set to take place at Martha Cullimore Public School in Niagara Falls on Friday, June 19, from 4 to 7 p.m.
“Cameron’s story is such a powerful reminder of what can happen when children are supported, encouraged, and empowered to share their passions with the world,” said Noella Klawitter, CEO of Niagara Children’s Centre. “Through Help Kids Shine, our community is helping children and youth build confidence, connection, and opportunities to thrive in ways that are meaningful to them.”
The Help Kids Shine campaign continues this week with several community fundraisers and events supporting Niagara Children’s Centre, including the Rotary Club of St. Catharines & CAA Golf Tournament on May 25 at Lookout Point Golf & Country Club.
Funds raised through Help Kids Shine help Niagara Children’s Centre provide therapy, recreation, family support programs, and specialized services for more than 6,100 children and youth throughout the region.
To learn more about Help Kids Shine or to donate, visit helpkidsshine.ca.
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About Niagara Children’s Centre: Niagara Children’s Centre provided rehabilitation and child development services to more than 6,100 children and youth last year across the Niagara Region with physical, developmental and communicative delays. The range of services include: physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language services, augmentative and alternative communication, family services and therapeutic recreation.
Media contact: Michael Morrison, Marketing & Communications Officer
Phone: 905-688-1890 ext 260
Email: michael.morrison@niagarachildrenscentre.comPhoto caption:
Cameron Collins poses during a campaign photoshoot for the 2026 Help Kids Shine campaign.