Annualreport(14 15)

Annual Report 2014 _2015

Endless Opportunities...

Our Mission

Contents

KidsAbility empowers children and youth with special needs to realize their full potential.

Our Vision

KidsAbility’s message

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Foundation’s message

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Thanks to our staff!

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Thanks to our families!

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An inclusive and empowering relationship with families and the wisdom they provide.

Thanks to our donors!

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The power of working together with families, partners, donors and funders.

Your donations in action

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Thanks to our volunteers!

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Thanks to our community!

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An eventful year!

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Awarding excellence

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Thank you for your generosity

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A legacy of hope

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With your help!

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Potential realized.

We Value The uniqueness of each child and youth and the right to realize their full potential.

A culture of professionalism, knowledge, innovation and accountability and a practice of resilient determination in all that we do.

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Front cover photo courtesy of Jennifer Newberry Photography: www.jnphotography.ca KidsAbility Foundation Board photo (page 3) courtesy of Xiaopu Fung: www.xiaopu.ca Back cover photo courtesy of One For The Wall Photography: www.oneforthewall.ca

KidsAbility Board of Directors Front row from left to right:

Sean Gomes Dr. Peter Thornback Barbara McKay Dr. Douglas Jones Terry Wilson Past Chair

Linda Kenny

CEO, KidsAbility

Back row from left to right:

Tim Adams Penny Smiley Chair

Rob Way

Chair, KidsAbility Foundation Board

Paul Winnett Treasurer

Anne Hovey Steve Currie Vice-Chair

Absent: Arisa Alexanian Catherine Hartman Secretary

Lisa Talbot

Executive Director, KidsAbility Foundation

Proud member of:

Message from the Chair & CEO The Annual Report is always a great opportunity to pause and reflect on the year that was.

In our respective roles as staff, volunteers, funders, donors – together we enabled 5,699 unique children and youth and their families to realize their potential.

We introduced SKIP (School Kids Intervention Program) that served an additional 230 children between the ages of four and five with occupational, physio and speech-language therapy, as well as social work, and therapeutic recreation. This support increased community and school participation.

A pilot program with Wee Talk has resulted in an integrated service delivery system for KidsAbility™ clients in Guelph-Wellington. The results of the project were so strong that we have now introduced speech and language in KidsAbility’s services.

This past year we celebrated grand openings of newly built and designed sites in Cambridge (Langs Drive) and Fergus. We were so pleased to work with our new friends at the Smilezone Foundation to create an even more inviting and family-friendly space at our Waterloo location.

It was a busy and productive year for KidsAbility, thanks in large part to new resources. The Ministry of Children and Youth Services provided annualized funds for core rehabilitation services, as well as one-time funding to reduce wait lists and wait times. Our friends at KidsAbility Foundation supplemented those funds and what a collective impact we were able to have!

We have been able to reduce wait times over core services with a record-low wait list of 579.

At our Staff Service Awards in December, surrounded by Susan’s family and friends, and chosen by his colleagues, we were pleased to honour Justin Small, Social Worker, as the first recipient of the Susan McCaw KidsAbility Spirit Award.

KidsAbility’s greatest asset is its staff. Our dedicated team of therapists, administrators, support personnel and management bring energy and passion to their work. We know that keen minds and caring hearts allow potential to be realized.

As Board Chair and CEO, we are so honoured to serve with an outstanding staff, a dedicated Board of Directors, giving volunteers and generous donors. Along with our partners at the KidsAbility Foundation and the KidsAbility School we are committed to seeking every available opportunity to support the life journey of the children, youth and families we serve.

Penny Smiley

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Chair, KidsAbility Board of Directors

Linda Kenny

Chief Executive Officer, KidsAbility Centre for Child Development

Message from the Chair & Executive Director

KidsAbility Foundation Board of Directors Front row from left to right:

Last year, KidsAbility Foundation was very successful in its mandate to raise both financial support and affirmative public awareness for KidsAbility Centre for Child Development. In fact, we were able to raise $1.48 million to support KidsAbility’s mission of empowering children and youth with special needs in Waterloo Region and Guelph-Wellington.

Yet we couldn’t have done so without you. Simply by donating, you helped support the purchase of essential equipment, the hiring of specialized therapists, the creation of new programs and the reduction of wait times. In the end, your generosity made a difference. Whether it was a young boy taking his first steps after being told he would never walk, a young girl saying “I love you” to her parents for the first time or a high school graduate with cerebral palsy being accepted into university for nanoscience, you helped make the impossible…possible.

But your impact goes beyond financial generosity. At the Foundation, we firmly believe that our donors play a significant role as ambassadors. By spreading the word about KidsAbility, you ensure that others learn about the great work that our dedicated staff members provide to local individuals.

Our gratitude also extends to all the organizations that stepped up to support our organization. Rogers Kitchener Radio Group, Rogers TV and Scotiabank continued to champion the Kids Can’t Wait Radiothon, which raised $212,670 for children and youth with special needs. And then there were the Rotarians, who have stood by our side since the inception of KidsAbility. Whether it’s organizing events like the Rotary Fun Day, volunteering on one of our Boards or donating funds to various initiatives, Rotary members continue to provide us with their support. That’s why we proudly honour them with this signature line: Founded and supported by Rotarians since 1957.

Of course, our community volunteers continued to play an integral part in the Foundation’s success. These impassioned individuals lent their time and resources to something they felt deeply about – empowering children and youth with special needs.

To all of our supporters, we’d like to say “Thank you!” The Foundation staff – and local children and families – truly appreciate what you do on our behalf. You make a difference!

Chair, KidsAbility Foundation Board of Directors

Executive Director, KidsAbility Foundation

Derek Henderson Brenda Halloran Rob Way Chair

Ray Pedersen Past Chair

Mardi Witzel Dan Girardi Treasurer

Back row from left to right:

Elly Yach Elaine Ormston Linda Kenny CEO, KidsAbility

Lisa Talbot

Executive Director, KidsAbility Foundation

Wayne Chang

Youth on Board Member

Katherine Bergman Suzy Kudsia Absent: Anne Atkinson Steve Bienkowski Lou Khoubessarian Sonny Kumpf Penny Smiley

Board Chair, KidsAbility

Ron Weiler Secretary

3 *Deceased

Pat Usher celebrates her 40-year career with her granddaughter and daughter-in-law by her side.

Endless Opportunities...

Thanks to our staff!

After an incredible 40-year career with KidsAbility, we bid a fond farewell to a woman who not only witnessed and was a part of the remarkable evolution of our organization, but through her talents and dedication, impacted the lives of countless children and youth at KidsAbility.

Pat Usher came to KidsAbility in 1975 through a student placement at, what was then, the Rotary Children’s Centre. It was during her first year as an occupational therapist that Pat met a child who would forever be a part of her life.

“Every therapist has that one client who defines their career and leaves their footprint on their life forever. His name was Peter. Do you know that saying: ‘Everything I know I learned in kindergarten?’ For me, Peter and his family were my kindergarten.”

Pat became an integral part of Peter’s journey. Together they carved their own path working on skills that would give Peter independent mobility so that he could participate in normal childhood activities.

All the while, they waited for technology to catch up. It was an experience of a lifetime for Pat. “It always makes me smile when I think of Peter – which is often,” says Pat. To celebrate Pat’s contributions to KidsAbility and her unwavering dedication and passion that she poured in her role as an occupational therapist, and then later on, as a manager, Pat was surrounded by staff – both past and present – as well as Peter’s family at her retirement party.

“As I look back on my 40-year career with KidsAbility, so much has changed since I began my own personal journey and career. From our small and humble beginnings on King Street, I have been proud to help contribute to the development of KidsAbility, to build upon our strong track record of service, and to truly become a centre of excellence. I have had an amazing career at KidsAbility and will be leaving with treasured memories.”

We thank Pat for the legacy that she left behind and for the many ways in which she touched the lives of children, like Peter.

“Although I don’t know what the next 40 years will hold for the children and families at KidsAbility, what I do know that is together as a community we can continue to create endless opportunities for our children.”

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Staff Service Awards Through their keen minds and caring hearts, thousands of children have benefited from the expertise, wisdom and passion of our staff over the years.

35 Years

Bruna Clements

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25 Years

Mary Reinhart-Fallis Denise Watson

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20 Years

Naginder Keilah

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15 Years

Halyna Andrulis Lisa Bedrosian Susan Butler Herdip Pandya Kitty Stahle

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10 Years

Annie Crump Amy Huber Mary-Ellen McIlroy Christine Nethery Catherine Nyman Tammy O'Connor Sheila Rodriguez Chris Voisin

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5 Years

Maria Hamilton Cynthia Lennon Amanda Relph Dennis Schneider Julie Sonser Amanda Wood-Atkinson

From left to right: Susan’s mother Joan McCaw, brother Kelly McCaw, partner Kevin Sisel, and sister-in-law Cheryl McCaw were on hand to present Justin Small (centre) with the inaugural Susan McCaw KidsAbility Spirit Award.

Susan McCaw KidsAbility Spirit Award Susan McCaw was a dedicated and passionate Occupational Therapist at KidsAbility’s Waterloo site who passed away in March 2014. She touched the lives of thousands of children and families over her more than 25-year journey with KidsAbility.

To honour Susan’s memory and the legacy she left at KidsAbility, an award was established in her name to formally recognize and celebrate the outstanding achievements and contributions of a member of the KidsAbility team who demonstrates the level of commitment, spirit and dedication that Susan made to the children and families KidsAbility serves.

Nominated and chosen by his peers, this year’s first-ever recipient of the Susan McCaw KidsAbility Spirit Award was social worker Justin Small.

As a co-founder of Oh Christmas Free!, an event designed and run in collaboration with KidsAbility staff, Justin has also been at the start of many new innovative programs for families such as Parent-to-Parent, which morphed into the Waterloo Region Family Network and Sibshops. Over the years he fostered and coordinated a very active Infant Hearing Program family network as well as helped to connect families and children, creating a sense of community and belonging. Congratulations, Justin, and thank you for all the many ways in which you enrich the lives of the children and families that we serve, and shine as a true KidsAbility ambassador.

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The Hon. Kathleen Wynne, Premier of Ontario, visited KidsAbility to spend some time getting to know some of the children in one of our school classrooms.

Mrs. Laureen Harper along with MPP Peter Braid helped celebrate the federal government’s Enabling Accessibility Grant that KidsAbility received to increase access across sites in Waterloo Region and Guelph-Wellington.

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The President of Rotary International, Gary Huang, was joined by his wife, Corinna, during a tour that included a stop at KidsAbility. KidsAbility was honoured to host President Huang and highlight our proud Rotary heritage and our faithful and strong partnerships with our local Rotarians.

The Hon. Tracy MacCharles, Minister of Children and Youth Services, and the Smilezone Foundation celebrated the grand opening of KidsAbility’s new Smilezone in Waterloo with a formal ribbon cutting. Generously designed, built and funded solely through Smilezone Foundation, KidsAbility was the fifth organization to benefit from a new, bright and fun zone that will be enjoyed for years to come by the families and children who come through our doors.

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5,699

children and youth with special needs benefited from therapy and support services across Guelph-Wellington & Waterloo Region last year

Cambridge Fergus Guelph

24% 2% 10%

Kitchener Waterloo Remotely

24% 39% 1%

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505

210

volunteers who donated their time and talents to KidsAbility

dedicated, talented and professional staff with keen minds and caring hearts

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million

donated by KidsAbility Foundation to help provide therapy, new programs, equipment and advanced technology

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$1.48

Wait Times

decreased significantly and are at an all-time low (in weeks): speech occupational physio social work

before now

24 13 14 12 10 9 12 10

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in KidsAbility’s parent satisfaction survey 94% rated services as “very good” or “excellent,” which is an increase from years prior

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Matthew and his faithful service dog, Cash.

Endless Opportunities...

Thanks to our families!

Families are an integral part of KidsAbility’s team approach to empower each child with the skills and support that he or she needs to be successful. Thanks to the support of Matthew’s family, this young man has a bright future ahead of him.

For many years, Matthew had benefited from therapy and support services at KidsAbility. It was a place that his family knew well and were comfortable with, but more importantly, it was a place that Matthew was comfortable with.

As Matthew grew, his family began looking for services that would empower him with skills to support him in his life journey as he got older. His family learned about Firefly Therapy Services.

“It really caught our interest and so we met with Firefly’s staff for the very first time. The words caring, supportive and focus come to mind,” says Lisa Colombo, Matthew’s mother. “Our journey as a family began many years ago to support the complex needs of our son. With the support of Firefly we are able to seek the advice we need for Matthew for his needs today and looking into the future.”

Deciding if a social skills group or if speech therapy is a priority can be a balance as a family. Matthew’s family has worked alongside KidsAbility’s therapists, and now Firefly’s therapists, to make decisions that would support Matthew and move him in the right direction.

“The highlight of our experience with Firefly was during a conversation with staff as we were looking into programs geared to teens discussing ideas for how to support a growing child. They took this to heart and soon after these conversations, new and creative teen programs such as ‘Eat, Cook and Mingle’ were developed for teens like Matthew. What I think is fascinating is that our son has had an interest in baking, so programs like this allow our children to look into the future and provide them with the confidence they need to pursue opportunities that will lead them to a career down the road.”

Families will always remain an important part of KidsAbility’s team approach in helping children and youth, like Matthew, to live fuller and more inclusive lives while being supported on their life journeys.

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Endless Opportunities...

Thanks to our donors!

On a recent trip to Mexico, Donna and Neil Denison were walking on the beach with their son, Philip.

For some people, this may not have held special meaning, but for the Denisons, it was a dream come true that brought tears to their eyes. After all, years ago, this would have seemed impossible.

“When Philip was eighteen months old, we were told that he might never walk and that the journey we were on would unfold in ways that were unpredictable,” recalls Donna. “Yet that day I walked down a beach on a foreign shore with my husband by my side and my son walking independently along with us.

We were on our way to go snorkeling in the ocean. Can you imagine?”

Six and a half years ago, the Denisons couldn’t have imagined. But with KidsAbility’s help, Philip has made amazing progress. “When Philip originally came to KidsAbility, he couldn’t crawl,” notes Neil.

“Now he runs, has hiked in the Canadian Rockies, has climbed a pyramid and has swum in Lake Louise!

We have benefited in wonderful ways from this organization. We feel that supporting KidsAbility is important – not only in helping to pay back what they have done for us, but to support an organization that has such a meaningful impact on our community.”

For the Denisons, the importance of donating is clear. “There are many wonderful organizations that deserve your support, with KidsAbility being an excellent example,” states Donna. “Rather than give to many organizations, you need to decide on a few that resonate with you, and make a conscious decision to support them generously and become actively involved.”

In the end, the Denisons decided to give monthly to KidsAbility – a charity that had a significant impact on their family. As Neil explains, “We are monthly donors because we have seen the value of believing and supporting a place that really does change lives. Our monthly support is our way of saying KidsAbility is important. Every month we want to affirm that to them and remind ourselves that with our donation even small gifts can make a difference. It is also part of our family’s budget now.”

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As monthly donors, the Denisons have taken the first step in helping other children and youth with special needs. And to those donors who helped Philip in his journey, the Denisons are truly appreciative: “We cannot thank you enough. God bless you for your generosity to our family and so many more like us.”

3,976

donors invested in our children and youth ..................................

Your donations in action Here is just a small sampling of what your support helped to fund last year:

579

children and youth with special needs are still waiting for therapy ..................................

KidsAbility School horseback riding program at Pride Stables Arts Express summer camp iCan Bike program Sensory aids (such as SPIO vests) Speech generating devices for Augmentative Communication Services Renovations to the KidsAbility Fergus site Feeding clinic dietician support Autism behaviour analysis groups Occupational therapy, speech therapy, physiotherapy And more! .............................................................................

Rotary in action

60+

community events were held in support of KidsAbility last year

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Endless Opportunities...

Thanks to our volunteers!

How do you give back to an organization that has done so much for your family? In the case of Cindy Bridge, she decided to volunteer at KidsAbility.

Cindy first came into contact with KidsAbility after the birth of her son, Bill. “My son was a client at KidsAbility,” she explains. “He was born with Spina bifida and hydrocephalus and came here for occupational therapy and physiotherapy. With the help of staff, Bill was eventually able to walk at age three. Personally, I also benefited from the services offered to families, as KidsAbility ran a parents’ group in the evening. I found it very comforting to share stories and receive support from people in similar situations.”

Over time, Cindy’s role evolved from client to volunteer. “I felt it was important to give back. So I started out 20 years ago in the Resource Centre before transitioning into the KidsAbility School. I love working with the kids – they are so much fun. Seeing their progress is very gratifying. Often times when children start school in September, many of them have speech difficulties. But by Christmas, they are so different. They’re speaking and able to verbalize their wants and needs. The school does so much good for the children and I’m happy to be part of it.”

As well as supporting the education program, Cindy assisted KidsAbility in other ways. In fact, she spent one year on KidsAbility’s Board. She then assisted the Foundation Board for nine years. “As the Co-Chair of the Endowment Committee, I felt it important that we create a legacy for our youth,” she notes. “By establishing an endowment fund, the investment income earned year after year provides ongoing support to the children and ensures the future of KidsAbility!”

In addition to being a volunteer, Cindy is also a donor. “If you saw and experienced all that KidsAbility does here, I can’t imagine that you wouldn’t want to donate,” she says. “There are so many other charities, but this one is hands-on and the children improve so much with the help of KidsAbility staff and volunteers. I also like the fact this charity does not waste any of the money. That’s big!”

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As to the future, Cindy plans to keep volunteering – and giving. “As a volunteer, I get more than I give,” she states. “And in terms of donating, I feel it’s important to contribute financially to KidsAbility. I even placed KidsAbility in my will. After all, children are our future. We have to invest in them. We can’t afford to let anyone fall to the wayside. We have to help out – in any way that we can.”

Volunteers making a difference!

Last year, 505 dedicated volunteers donated 13,770 hours of their talents and time at KidsAbility. Thank you for making a difference!

KidsAbility Foundation: Butterfly Award Committee:

Elaine Ormston, Ray Pedersen, Rob Way

Finance & Audit Committee:

Dan Girardi – Chair, Steve Bienkowski, Tony Giovinazzo, Sonny Kumpf, Bud Norman, Bryan Stewart, Rob Way

Governance Committee:

Lou Khoubesserian – Chair, Katherine Bergman, Derek Henderson, Doug Letson, John Lynch, Ray Pedersen, Rob Way

Guelph-Wellington Advisory Committee:

Joanne Hasson – Chair, Amy Atkinson, Darrin Drake, Maureen Farquharson, Jonathan Hill, Matthew Phillips, Emily Rawson, Drew Reid, Michael Ruhl, David Worthen

Investment Committee:

Sonny Kumpf – Chair, Doug Brock, Dan Girardi, Wayne Kemick, Ray Pedersen, Bryan Stewart, Rob Way

Nominating Committee:

Ray Pedersen – Chair, Elaine Ormston, Rob Way

Radiothon Committee:

Steven Finlayson – Chair, Matt Bolen, Carol Brandt, Kathie Butcher, Maureen Gorloff, Derek Henderson, Mary McGuinness, Lesley Nevills, Elaine Ormston, Rob Way, Tracey Weiler, Zac Zehr

Secret Garden High Tea:

Kathie Butcher, Maureen Farquharson, Joanne Hasson, Wendy Kelly, Mary Ann Perkins, Emily Rawson, Michael Ruhl

Sugar Plum Tea Committee:

Elaine Ormston – Chair, Tori Fitton, Suzy Kudsia, Bridget Moloney, Huguette Schorn, Margaret Sellner

Superhero Run Committee: 14

Robyn Bassett, Jean Brenkolt, Andrew Catton, Terri Rowan, Frances Turk

Thanks to our community!

The 10th annual Kids Can’t Wait Radiothon was a great success this year.

Broadcasting live from Conestoga Mall and KidsAbility in Waterloo, CHYM 96.7, Country 106.7, 570 News and Daytime (Rogers TV) shared stories of hope to listeners and viewers throughout our community. Individual donors and sponsors (including our Butterfly Sponsor Scotiabank) responded by helping us raise $212,670 for children and youth with special needs!

Media Partners

Butterfly Sponsor

Hourly Sponsors Arvanitis & Associates, Connect Tech Inc., Economical Insurance, Erb & Erb Insurance Brokers Ltd., Form & Build Supply Co., Kitchener Rangers, KPMG, Manitoulin Transport Inc., Movati Athletic Inc., Rogers TV, School of Rock Kitchener-Waterloo, Stampede Ranch (Guelph) Inc., Strassburger Windows & Doors, Sun Life Financial _ Waterloo Office, TechTown Dentistry, The Cake Box, The Crack Specialists, The Record, Unitron Hearing

Matching Gift Donors Challenger Motor Freight Inc., Connect Tech Inc., Kenmore Homes, Lackner McLennan Insurance Ltd., MTD Products Ltd., Rob & Michele Way, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada Inc., Weber Supply Company Inc., Win-Leader Corp.

Gifts-in-Kind A&W, Bre Creative, Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory, Conestoga Mall, Drew Ripley, Erick Traplin, Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Jeff Poolton, JR Fitzpatrick, New York Fries, Tim Hortons

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An eventful year!

What a year it has been! So many kind-hearted groups and individuals in our community hosted fundraising events on behalf of KidsAbility. Without your support, we wouldn’t have been able to provide life-changing services to as many children and youth with special needs. Your generosity made a difference!

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Staff from Volkswagen Waterloo hold a cheque with Foundation staff member Charmaine Brown (far right) totalling $26,070 – the total amount the car dealership has donated to KidsAbility between 2010 and 2014.

The Superhero Run in Guelph proved to be a family favourite in its inaugural year. Children and adults alike donned a superhero costume and came out in droves to support this 1-kilometre and 5-kilometre run. In total, participants raised $60,000 for KidsAbility!

The MudPuppy Chase is a perennial favourite among runners in Waterloo Region and beyond. The Rotary Club of Kitchener Grand River hosts the race as a means to promote healthy living and support the local community.

Bringing a smile to children and youth with special needs, the Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign raised a record $106,120 this year for KidsAbility and Nutrition for Learning in Kitchener-Waterloo. We would like to thank local Tim Hortons owners, their dedicated staff, volunteers and customers in Kitchener-Waterloo for supporting our organization and the children who benefit from our services.

Back in 2002, the Rotary Club of Waterloo held its first Golf “Fore” KidsAbility Classic.

Over a decade later, this tournament continues to attract local golfers while generating vital funds for KidsAbility. To date, this event has brought in over $500,000!

Fitness enthusiasts moved and grooved their way into the hearts of children and youth with special needs at the second annual Rock the Foundation held by Movati Athletic in Guelph and Waterloo. Participants enjoyed two hours of exercise that included dance, yoga, cardio, cycling and strength training – all the while raising money for KidsAbility. In total, Rock the Foundation has raised close to $40,000 over its two-year history.

WINMAR Guelph has been a dedicated supporter of KidsAbility since 2005. Whether sponsoring events like the Superhero Run, holding employee fundraisers such as Jean Days or just donating to our organization, this company – and their employees – go the extra mile. Darrin Drake, shown here holding a cheque for $25,579, has been volunteering at KidsAbility since 2009 and is a member of our Guelph-Wellington Advisory Committee.

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Members of the Sugar Plum Tea Committee raise a glass to toast another successful event at Langdon Hall. Blending sophistication, elegance and style, the Sugar Plum Tea allowed attendees to indulge in high tea and decadent desserts while raising over $25,000 for children and youth with special needs.

From left to right: Bridget Moloney, Elaine Ormston, Margaret Sellner, Huguette Schorn, Tori Fitton, Suzy Kudsia, and Charmaine Brown.

KidsAbility Foundation Chair Rob Way (left) and McDonald’s restaurant owner John Moseley-Williams work the pick-up window during McHappy Day. One dollar from every Big Mac, Happy Meal or hot McCafé beverage went to helping KidsAbility, Ronald McDonald Houses and other neighbourhood charities across Canada.

Failte Irish Pub presents Charmaine Brown (centre) with a cheque for $13,230 – the amount raised at their annual golf tournament in support of KidsAbility.

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Terry Ellery (left) and Mark Godman from Granite Homes hold up a cheque for $10,000 – the amount raised through the organization’s third annual golf tournament for KidsAbility held in September. Since 2012, golfers have putted their way to over $25,000 in donations for KidsAbility.

Over the years, Marks Supply has been a steadfast supporter of KidsAbility. In fact, their tournament has generated over $110,000 to help children and youth with special needs!

Bryan Stewart receives an award from Elaine Ormston.

Awarding Excellence Elaine Ormston Outstanding Supporter Butterfly Award Bryan Stewart, a long-time supporter of KidsAbility, was honoured with the Elaine Ormston Outstanding Supporter Butterfly Award at the Donor Reception in December.

“Bryan has dedicated countless hours and 10 years of volunteer service in support of KidsAbility Foundation.”

Bryan was recognized for his incredible contributions and ongoing commitment to KidsAbility. He is a former Chair of the Kids Can’t Wait Campaign, former Chair of the Foundation Board and past Treasurer.

As Elaine Ormston notes, “Bryan has dedicated countless hours and 10 years of volunteer service in support of KidsAbility Foundation. Bryan brought greater financial discipline to the organization and assisted in all monetary matters. At the Kids Can’t Wait Radiothon, he worked tirelessly for the entire day, intent on helping KidsAbility reach its goals.” ..............................................................................................................

The Carol Shantz Bursary Award In honour of Carol Shantz – a former KidsAbility School educator and principal – The Carol Shantz Bursary Award is given each year to a current client or alumnus of KidsAbility.

This year, we’d like to extend our congratulations to Bernie Ross, the 2014 bursary award recipient, as he pursues nanoscience at the University of Guelph.

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Thank you for your generosity $50,000+ Champion’s Circle Keiko Belair Lyle S. Hallman Foundation Scotiabank Tim Hortons

$20,000–$49,999 Leader’s Circle Ginny Adams Barry and Shirley Humphrey Rick and Nancy Martin Marina Barnstijn Cambridge Times Rotary Classic Fun Run George Weston Ltd. and Colonial Cookies Goodlife Kids Foundation Movati Athletic Inc. Rotary Club of Kitchener Rotary Club of Kitchener Grand River Rotary Club of Kitchener-Westmount Rotary Club of Waterloo S.C. Johnson The Sounds of Christmas The Spaenaur Philanthropy Fund Mac Voisin

$5,000–$19,999 Partner’s Circle

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Adventure Guide Inc. Amigas Bob and Judi Blowes Borden Cold Storage Ltd. Boston Pizza Kitchener-Waterloo Brick & Co. Restoration Ltd. CIBC Children’s Foundation Connect Tech Inc. Curl for a Cause Eclipse Automation Inc. Electri-Tech Services Inc.

As a donor, you make a difference!

Through your generosity, children and youth with special needs have the opportunity to realize their full potential.

Failte Irish Pub FoxNet Inc. Grainharvest Breadhouse Inc. Granite Homes Inc. Jim and Sue Hallman Home Hardware Stores Ltd. Jim and Lorna Blair Charitable Foundation Jonathan and Judy Kaufman Kitchener Rangers Jr. Hockey Club Ontario Insurance Adjusters Assoc.

Marks Supply Inc. McDonald’s Restaurant MTD Products Ltd. Organizacao Terra dos Bravos Shelagh Pigeon Ross & Doris Dixon Charitable Foundation Rotary Club of Fergus-Elora Rotary Club of Guelph Rotary Club of Guelph-Wellington Peter and Marilyn Snyder Strom’s Farm & Bakery Inc. Sun Life Financial _ Waterloo Office The Kitchener and Waterloo Community Foundation The Jim and Susan Hallman Family Fund Florence Louise Marsland Fund Ormston Family Fund Toskan Casale Foundation St. Mary’s High School Volkswagen Waterloo Wallenstein Feed Charitable Foundation Shirley Weber Weber Supply Company Inc. Anonymous _ 3

$1,000–$4,999 Ambassador’s Circle 50 Plus Team ABA Architects

Academia DoBacalhau Marjorie Acheson Activa Holdings Inc. Tim and Emily Adams Arctic Packaging Betty M. Argue Marion Armstrong Arvanitis & Associates Anne Atkinson Bast Tire & Auto Service Eric Beam Believe 4 Kids _ University of Waterloo Willard Bender Katherine Bergman Steve Bienkowski Bob Blake John and Anne Blasman Blessed Mother Teresa Catholic School Dr. Mike and Gay Booth Bruce and Mary Boucher

KidsAbility Chair, Penny Smiley, is joined by Rob Way, Chair of KidsAbility Foundation, during the grand opening celebration of KidsAbility’s new site located on Langs Drive. As guests left the event, they were asked to leave their mark by way of a thumb print on a poster that is hanging in the hallways to serve as a reminder of the community’s incredible support.

Brian Domm Farms Ltd. Cindy and James Bridge Gordon Brown The Budding Family Burley & Griffin Industrial Inc. Cambridge and North Dumfries Community Foundation Ralph and Virginia Adams Memorial Fund Brad Carr and Susan Wagler Charlotte Cromarty Christmas Party Bob and Lavonne Collins-Wright James Cranston Steven and Sandy Currie Barbara and David Curzon Ronald Dahms Dakon Construction Ltd. Catherine Dietrich Domenic’s No Frills Brian and Diana Doody Don and Pat Draper Matheson Duff Mark Eamer and Nicole Weber Economical Insurance Equitable Life Lighthouse Club Erb & Erb Insurance Brokers Ltd. Esso Community Program Raymond Farndale Fidelity Investments Canada Ltd. Peter and Tori Fitton Flare Charity Fashion Show Form & Build Supply Co. Margaret Forwell Leonard and Mary Friesen

Donna Gordon Gore Mutual Insurance Company Foundation Great-West Life Grobe’s Nursery Ltd. Gypsum Drywall (Southern) Ltd. Hall Equine Services Professional Corporation Martin Halliwell Hammond Power Solutions Joanne and David Hasson Youn Hee Ma and Terry Hee Bae Heffner Motors Ltd. Judy Hemmerly Pat Herzog Manfred and Ute Hilgers Barbara Hill and David Rutherford Jane G. Hill David and Judy Horman Dr. Gary and Mary Houslander Images in Colour Inc. Insurance Bureau of Canada Jay Fencing Ltd. Tom and Nancy Jeary Dr. Doug and Diane Jones Juscon Corporation Linda Kenny Sue Kieswetter Dr. Han Hoe and Julie Kim Kinsmen Club of Kitchener-Waterloo Girard, Pilkey Wealth Management Dan and Stella Girardi

Kitchener Rangers Kloey Brown Charity Car Show Chris Koch KPMG Hartman and Brenda Krug Dennis and Susann Kuepfer Kunkel-Lemieux Corp.

K-W Chive K-W Polar Plunge Lackner McLennan Insurance Ltd. The Landry Family Landscape Ontario Horticultural Trades Association Dr. Desta Leavine Ledgendary Lighting Inc. Gary Levene and Deborah Eisenberg Libro Credit Union Lubricon Industries Canada Ltd. John and Mary Lynch Joyce MacCallum Grant and Halcyon MacDonald Craig MacGregor Ian and Sandra MacNaughton Manitoulin Transport Inc. Manulife Financial Sharon and Ron Martin Shelley Martin Maryhill Community Golf Tournament May Court Club of Kitchener-Waterloo McAfee Canada Inc. John and Barbara McCrory 21

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McNeil Consumer Healthcare Ian McPhee Stephen R. Menich Mersynergy Charitable Foundation Dianne and Bruce Monteith Doreen and William Motz Tom and Liz Motz Mount Forest Lions Club MTE Consultants Inc. Don and Debbie Naylor New Apostolic Church Canada Nick Noonan John and Carol Norman OB Golf Management LP Elaine and Charlie Ormston Ray and Gwen Pedersen Carol and Reg Petersen Dr. Bill Plaxton and Dr. Emma Wakim Tim and Jill Pletsch Harry Pring Probus Club of Kitchener-Waterloo Robert Purdy QLO Management Inc. Brian and Stephanie Rempel Jean and Gordon Riedlinger RLB Management Golf Tournament Douglas and Joanne Ross Royal Le Page Royal City Realty Jennifer Ryan and Mark Lindo Fred and Charlene Schiedel Gerry and Huguette Schorn Heather and Peter Schwartz Scotia Private Client Group Jean Seegmiller Harold and Violet Seegmiller Dianne and Richard Shepherd Peter Sims Penny Smiley Susan and Stewart Smith Songs of the Season St. Francis Catholic Elementary School St. Mary’s High School St. Paul Chung Parish Stamm Investments Ltd. Stampede Ranch (Guelph) Inc. Douglas and Bernice Steep Steve Kidd Bryan and Joan Stewart

Strassburger Windows & Doors Lisa and Jim Talbot Alan Tchabushnig TD Canada Trust TechTown Dentistry Terry Howald Pools Inc. The Crack Specialists The Kitchener and Waterloo Community Foundation 50 Plus Team Fund Audrey and Gerald Moser Trust The Toronto-Dominion Bank Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada Inc. United Way of Greater Toronto Unitron Hearing Victory Public School George Walsh John Warren Waterloo Collegiate Institute Waterloo Mattress Rob and Michele Way Way-Mar Inc. Dr. Ron and Joan Weiler Gerald and Joanne White Dr. Ian and Terry Wilson Win-Leader Corp.

WINMAR Elizabeth and Cam Witmer Mardi and Terry Witzel Elly and David Yach William and Jane Young Zero Environmental Inc. Anonymous _ 9

Gift of Dreams Circle of Giving For your pledge of a minimum of $1,000 or more for three years, KidsAbility would like to thank you for being a Gift of Dreams Circle of Giving donor.

Katherine Bergman Steve Bienkowski Cindy and James Bridge Brad Carr and Susan Wagler Challenger Motor Freight Inc. Paul and Carla Denomme Leonard and Mary Friesen Dayna and Nico Giorgio Brenda Halloran

Judy Hemmerly John and Mary Lynch Dianne and Bruce Monteith Elaine and Charlie Ormston Ray and Gwen Pedersen Gordon Smith Lisa and Jim Talbot Elizabeth and Cam Witmer Elly and David Yach

I Make A Difference KidsAbility would like to thank the “I Make a Difference” Monthly Giving Club members for making a difference in the lives of children and youth with special needs. Your monthly donations ensure local children receive much-needed services and support.

Nancy and Dale Allensen Annelli Aurelio Katherine Bergman Steve Bienkowski Bob and Judi Blowes Bonnie Bremner and Peter Hamberger Stephen and Beth Brown Bruncon Framing Ltd. Brad Carr and Susan Wagler

Scott and Tracey MacLaurin Judith Maple-Dechamplain Shelley Martin Melissa Martz Brent and Cathy Matheson George Michaels Paula Moore John and Carol Norman Mary Ann Pedlar Pierce Family Vision _ Patti Ellison-Pierce Shelagh Pigeon Dr. David and Joyce Rainham Jennifer Reidl Satinder Sooch ArunKumar Sridharan Deniz Tokcan Dr. Ron and Joan Weiler Rob and Diane Williams Eric Young and Lori Maloney-Young Volkswagen Waterloo Janet Zettel Anonymous _ 6

Staff with Heart KidsAbility would like to acknowledge the support of our staff in helping children and youth with special needs. Your donations and hard work give children and their families hope.

Barbara and David Curzon Rhiannon Davies Peggy Deml Donna and Neil Denison Amanda Dibben Terry and Vicki Finnigan Gillian Flanagan Frank Froklage Tom and Anne Marie Galloway Brenda Halloran Becci Hayes Youn Hee Ma and Terry Hee Bae Judy Hemmerly Marjolein Hicks Micheline Hyde K. Smart Associates Ltd. Tom Kotalik and Lori Quesnelle

Karen Andrews Halyna Andrulis Amy Atkinson Lisa Bedrosian Debbie Blazis Ann Marie Borgford Charmaine Brown Mark Butcher Sara Cavallo Nancy Crenna Gabriele Croft Annie Crump Heather Curran Caroline Davidson Terri Dettweiler Anita Diaz Melanie Ditmars Paul Ditner Laura Drost Joanne Duddy

Caroline Duimering Tanya Elliott Traci Elliott Tracy Elop Harry Endrulat Rebecca Erickson Monica Fera Pamela Fisher Patrick Fothergill Mary Helen Frawley Sandra Gayman Dayna Giorgio Janice Gregson Julie Hall Johanne Hand Jane Hare Bea Henry Barbara Hill Linda Kenny Lindsay King Florin Lezeu Jean MacLeod Deborah Malandruccolo Jayne Matzeg Mary Ellen McIlroy Diana Molloy Shelly Monaghan Nancy Norton Tammylyn O'Connor Laura Pastrik Lisa Peterson Martha Plienegger Pat Poirier Brenda Rantz Meaghan Reitzel Natalie Robinson Jennifer Ross Carolyn Slomka Andrea Stevenson Lisa Talbot Jill Taylor Rebecca Tucker Pat Usher Teressa van Vliet Sandra Vaughan Christine Voisin Denise Watson Pauline Westmacott Alexandra White Norma Williams Shannon Wright Alison Zimmermann Anonymous _ 2

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A legacy of hope Thanks to your generosity, the investment income from our Endowment continues to provide a vital source of renewable income to KidsAbility on an annual basis. Your thoughtful donations and planned gifts support essential programs and initiatives at KidsAbility, ensuring local children will have a brighter future for many years to come.

Endowment Fund Name

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Fred and Ruth Stork Family $1,000,000 Witzel Family $259,721 Economical Insurance Group* $250,000 Katherine Gray $176,500 Barry & Shirley Humphrey & Family $155,200 David Sutherland and Family $150,000 MTD Products Limited $148,000 Ormston Family* $139,207 Ralph and Phyllis Forbes $132,835 Susan and Jim Harkins $125,000 Walter and Florence Martin $106,760 Peter & Heather Schwartz Family $100,000 Elly and David Yach Family $100,000 Marks Supply Inc. $93,665 Nelson and Ruth Kraus Family $85,000 John & Mary Ann Martin Family $60,875 Rick and Alison Smerchinski $56,560 Peter and Betty Sims $53,766 Jane G. Hill $52,435 Cindy and Jim Bridge Family $50,300 Wayne and Tammy Kemick $50,260 Home Hardware Stores Limited $50,000 Larry and Margaret Marsland $50,000 50 Plus Team $42,350 David J. Westfall $42,000 Dr. Ralph and Ginny Adams $40,655 Corporation of the City of Kitchener $40,000 Marjorie and John Acheson $37,516 William H. Kaufman $34,685 Bob Warren $34,100 D. Cornwell _ P. Finnigan $30,000 Gordon & Jean Riedlinger $30,000 Joan and Bryan Stewart $30,000 Florence Louise Marsland $29,650 Jack and Shirley Weber Family $27,400 John & Mary Lynch $26,138 Bob and Judi Blowes Family $25,850 Michele and Rick Doktor $25,000 Harvey Sims $25,000 Metzger-Mack $25,000 John A. Pollock Family $25,000 Peter Etril and Marilyn Snyder $25,000

City of Waterloo Bill and Jane Young Family Jim and Sue Hallman Family Margaret A. Forwell Terry Kearns Family Ruby Bennett Curtis and Mary (Heath) McCone Dimitri Murugesu-Buder Ron and Joan Weiler Family Bob and Ann Miller + Gerry and Huguette Schorn

$25,000 $24,633 $22,100 $16,340 $15,700 $10,025 $10,000 $9,880 $5,800 $5,000 $2,500

Donor Directed Funds Bill Herzog Endowment Roy Brown Bursary-Rotary Club of Kitchener-Grand River Bursary The Carol Shantz Bursary Mary Anne Witzel Staff Education Fund

$281,397 $118,422 $54,190 $30,551

*Donations to the KidsAbility Foundation Endowment Fund at the Kitchener and Waterloo Community Foundation. +Donations to the KidsAbility Foundation Endowment Fund at the Cambridge and North Dumfries Community Foundation.

Legacy Society Members Legacy Society Members have included a Legacy Gift for KidsAbility in their Will or financial plans. On behalf of our organization – and children and youth with special needs – we are grateful for your support. Your Legacy Gift ensures that KidsAbility will remain a place of hope for children and their families.

Ginny Adams Ruby Bennett Cindy and James Bridge Wendy and Jamie Buder James Cranston Gordon and Shirley Ferguson Margaret Forwell Judy Horman Jeff Klompus Louise Leonard John and Mary Lynch Lynda and John Moseley-Williams Bill and Heather Spall M. and L. Verhaeghe Dr. Ron and Joan Weiler

Endless Opportunities...

With your help!

Give a Gift Your donations will help KidsAbility to continue to empower children and youth with special needs to realize their full potential. There are many ways in which you can make a donation through monthly giving, one-time gifts or a gift in your Will. Every gift makes a dierence and will help to provide every child with the opportunities that he or she needs and deserves to shine! To make a gift or learn more, please contact KidsAbility Foundation and speak with Charmaine Brown at 519-886-8886 ext. 1350 or cbrown@kidsability.ca. .............................................................................................................

Get Involved Join the conversation and help share stories of hope and inspiration. Find us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter @KidsAbility, check us out on YouTube and online at kidsability.ca for upcoming events and ways to get involved. .............................................................................................................

Volunteer Your Time Our volunteers make a lasting and profound impact in the lives of our children and you can too!

Consider volunteering your time at KidsAbility and help change a life. To learn more about volunteering, visit our website.

kidsability.ca Charitable # 89094 3673 RR0001

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Annual Report 2014 _2015

Proudly founded and supported

by Rotarians since 1957 A plain text version of this report is available by contacting KidsAbility 519.886.8886 | 1.888.372.2259