Ashley-Marie, a six year old girl born with Williams Syndrome is both physically and mentally handicapped.  She lives in a tiny house with her parents, two siblings, grandparents and an aunt.  Her home is not wheelchair accessible.

The Little House project originated after an article was published in the Free Press in the fall of 2003.  The family requires more space in their home for Ashley-Marie to remain living in the home as opposed to an institution

Ashley-Marie using her feeding machine    

Williams syndrome is a rare, congenital (present at birth) disorder characterized by physical and developmental problems including an impulsive and excessively social personality, limited spatial skills and motor control, and intellectual disability  Other features include characteristic "elfin-like" facial features, heart and blood vessel problems, elevated blood calcium levels, low birth weight, slow weight gain, feeding problems, irritability during infancy, dental and kidney abnormalities, sensitive hearing, and musculoskeletal problems. Williams Syndrome Information Page.   National Institute of  Neurological Disorders and Stroke.                                            

                 Ashley-Marie at birth

There is neither a cure for Williams’s syndrome nor a standard course of treatment.

In May of 2003, Ashley-Marie required a kidney transplant. She was most fortunate to have her father, Allan, donate a suitable matching kidney to her.

The Little House project has caught the attention of many.  In September of 2004 the construction is slated to commence on their new home that will accommodate Ashley-Marie and her family.  Although all labour will be donated by the volunteers of the Mennonite Disaster Relief committee, funds are being raised for the materials to accommodate Ashley-Marie’s home.  

 

                                                              Ashley-Marie with her brother and sister

To request information, volunteer your help or donate towards The Little House Project, please call 257-1654 or e-mail littlehouse@fae-wpg.com. Tax receipts are available and will be provided by Association for Community Living - Winnipeg.  You can mail you donation directly to ACL Winnipeg located at:

120 Maryland Street
Winnipeg, MB
R3G 1L1
Phone (204) 786-1414
Fax (204) 774-4402
e-mail acl@aclwpg.ca

Please make cheques payable to ACL Winnipeg.  Please note The Little House project on your cheque.

The 5^th Avenue Entertainment membership is being used as the primary fundraiser for The Little House Project.  $7 from each membership card sold on behalf of The Little House Project will go towards building Ashley-Marie a new home.