Celebrating Generosity: Ovintiv's Impact on Children with Visual Impairments

The Story Behind the Gift

This donation was inspired by a story shared by Loretta Loyd, a proud grandmother and member of Ovintiv’s SWAT / Asset Management Team in the Permian Basin. Loretta’s granddaughter, Kenedi, was born completely blind due to Bilateral Optic Nerve Hypoplasia with an absent Septum Pellucidum—a rare condition affecting a small number of individuals with visual impairment.

Despite her blindness, Kenedi has never let it define her. From a very young age, she showed remarkable determination and intelligence. By eight months, she was already walking and using more than 250 words. Kenedi meets every developmental milestone with courage and joy, proving that her disability is only one part of who she is.

Overcoming Challenges with the Right Tools

Traditional mobility aids did not suit Kenedi’s needs, and her family grew concerned about her safety. That’s when they discovered the Safe Toddles Pediatric Belt Cane. This innovative device allowed children like Kenedi to keep their hands free while receiving consistent tactile feedback about their surroundings. It supported her independence without slowing down the natural pace of a curious child.

Today, Kenedi thrives academically and socially. She consistently earns honor roll recognition and is preparing to enter gifted and talented classes. Her story shows what is possible when children who are blind receive tools that respect their individuality and movement.

How Ovintiv’s 5 for a Cause Makes a Difference

Ovintiv’s 5 for a Cause initiative began as a celebration of their 5-year anniversary and encourages employees to share stories that matter to them and support causes close to their hearts. By selecting Safe Toddles as a recipient, Ovintiv's generous gift has helped provide more children with access to mobility aids that promote independence and safety.

This donation will help us continue developing and distributing Pediatric Belt Canes and other resources that empower children with visual impairments. It also highlights the importance of community involvement in creating opportunities for young lives to flourish.

The Impact of Community Support

Stories like Kenedi’s remind us that support is not just about money—it’s about connection, understanding, and belief in potential. When communities come together, they can create environments where children with disabilities are not limited by their conditions but are encouraged to explore, learn, and succeed.

The partnership between Safe Toddles and Ovintiv exemplifies how corporate generosity combined with personal stories can lead to real change. It inspires us to keep working toward a world where every child has the tools they need to reach their full potential.

Moving Forward Together

We invite you to join us in celebrating the power of stories and the generosity that follows. Whether through donations, sharing experiences, or advocating for accessibility, every action helps build a stronger, more inclusive community.

Kenedi’s journey shows that with the right support, children with disabilities can achieve remarkable things. Thanks to Ovintiv’s kindness, more children will have the chance to write their own stories of success and independence.

Let’s continue to support and uplift young lives, one step at a time.

The Importance of Advocacy

Advocacy plays a crucial role in ensuring that children with visual impairments receive the resources they need. It involves raising awareness about the challenges they face and the tools that can help them thrive. By speaking out, we can influence policies and practices that promote accessibility and inclusion.

Building Awareness

Awareness is the first step toward change. When we share stories like Kenedi's, we highlight the importance of mobility aids and the impact they have on children's lives. This awareness can inspire others to take action, whether through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading the word.

Encouraging Participation

We encourage everyone to participate in advocacy efforts. Attend local meetings, engage with community organizations, and connect with other families. Your voice matters, and together, we can create a powerful movement for change.

Supporting Research and Development

Investing in research and development is essential for creating innovative tools that meet the needs of children with visual impairments. By supporting organizations like Safe Toddles, you contribute to the advancement of technology that can transform lives.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

As we reflect on Kenedi’s story and the generosity of Ovintiv, let’s remember that each of us has a role to play. Together, we can create a world where every child, regardless of their challenges, has the opportunity to thrive.

Join us in this mission. Support organizations that make a difference, share your stories, and advocate for those who need a voice. Together, we can build a brighter future for all children.