News

Layla’s involvement with PHARA started in the 1970s, when she was in her 20s, as a volunteer. She took part in numerous PHARA committees, eventually serving on the Board of Directors for 26 years where she held a variety of positions, including President.

For the past few years, PHARA has been participating in North Bay’s Recycling and Garbage Collection Calendar in an effort to help divert assistive devices from becoming garbage.

PHARA (Physically Handicapped Adults’ Rehabilitation Association) today announces that it has been accredited under Imagine Canada’s Standards. With this achievement, PHARA has become part of a respected community of nonprofit organizations dedicated to operational excellence.

For fifty years, individuals and families in North Bay and the surrounding communities have been sleeping, eating, and living a little better, thanks to the services of the non-profit charitable organization known simply as PHARA (Physically Handicapped Adults’ Rehabilitation Association).

P.H.A.R.A .'s CEO, Mike Van Der Vilst is pleased to have partnered with the United Way to help seniors stay warm this winter. “We’re a non-profit charitable organization in North Bay that has a lot of programs that support seniors; from our outreach programs to assistive devices so it was just a perfect match. And to give back to the community with the volunteers the United Way has brought in, it warms your heart.”

Government of Canada, through Nipissing-Timiskaming MP Anthony Rota, funds projects to increase workplace inclusion and connect persons with disabilities with good jobs in North Bay.

Over a decade ago PHARA was asked for assistance by groups in the Thessalon area of the Algoma Region. PHARA was asked to save the old Algoma Manor from being torn down.